Jmv.of  111.  Ly.WiyKS[0N 

/ *03 


MADE  BY  THE 


EXECUTIVE  AND  LEGISLATURES 


OF  THE  STATES  OF 

fUntntb  an!)  Cranessw 

TO  THE 


STATE  OF  OHIO, 


\ 

1860. 


1^^ 


OLIM  MEMIN1SSE  JUVABIT. 


ROBERT  CLARKE  & CO., 

LAW  PUBLISHERS,  BOOKSELLERS,  AND  IMPORTERS, 
No.  55  West  Fourth  Street,  Cincinnati, 

1860. 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2017  with  funding  from 

University  of  Illinois  Urbana-Champaign  Alternates 


https://archive.org/details/reportofexcursioOOunse 


PROCEEDINGS. 


The  opening  of  the  Louisville  and  Nashville  Railroad, 
uniting  two  States  and  two  prosperous  commercial  cities, 
and  extending  the  facilities  of  trade  and  of  social  inter- 
course from  the  great  river  of  the  west  to  the  interior,  was 
an  event  of  great  interest  and  importance.  In  the  exist- 
ing state  of  the  public  sentiment  of  the  country,  it  excited 
especial  attention,  as  presenting  another  link  in  the  chain 
which  binds  us  together  as  a people.  In  accordance  with 
these  views  the  Legislatures  of  the  two  States  immediately 
interested,  were  invited  to  meet  at  Louisville  to  unite  in 
commemorating  the  event.  The  assembling  of  the  Legis- 
latures of  two  sovereign  States  in  one  city,  to  unite  in 
the  celebration  of  a civil  triumph,  was  a novel  spectacle, 
which  could  only  be  witnessed  in  a republic  where  the  will 
of  the  people  is  law,  and  the  good  of  the  people  the  supreme 
object.  It  was  a spontaneous  movement,  and  it  found  a 
response  as  wide-spread  as  it  was  prompt  and  hearty. 

The  proprietors  of  the  Mail  Steamboat  line,  between  Cin- 
cinnati and  Louisville,  anticipating  the  wishes  of  their  fellow- 
citizens  of  the  former  city,  and  certain  of  their  hearty  co- 
operation in  a measure  combining  patriotism  with  commercial 
liberality,  offered  the  use  of  one  of  their  palatial  steamers 
to  the  Legislative  and  Executive  officers  of  Kentucky  and 
Tennessee,  so  assembled,  to  enable  them,  with  the  authorities 
of  Louisville  and  others,  to  visit  Cincinnati. 


060664 


4 


Upon  the  first  intelligence  of  these  proceedings,  a public 
meeting  was  held  in  Cincinnati,  on  Saturday,  the  21st  of 
January,  1860,  at  the  Merchants’  Exchange,  the  Mayor, 
Hon.  R.  M.  Bishop,  presiding,  at  which  the  following  resolu- 
tions, offered  by  Judge  James  Hall,  were  unanimously 
adopted  : 

RESOLUTIONS 

Passed  at  a Public  Meeting  of  the  Citizens  of  Cincinnati,  at 
the  Merchants’  Exchange,  Saturday,  January  21st,  at  which 
the  Mayor  of  the  City  presided  : 

Whereas,  It  is  understood  that  the  Legislatures  of  Ken- 
tucky and  Tennessee,  or  the  members  thereof,  are  about  to 
visit  the  City  of  Louisville,  to  unite  in  commemorating  the 
completion  of  a great  commercial  avenue,  connecting  the  trade 
and  intercourse  of  those  States,  and  promising  greatly  to  in- 
crease and  promote  the  same  ; and 

Whereas,  The  City  of  Cincinnati,  by  her  intimate  com- 
mercial relations  with  the  citizens  of  those  States  stands  con- 
nected with  them  by  the  bonds  of  a common  prosperity,  and 
the  recollections  of  a long-continued  interchange  of  recipro- 
cal benefits  and  mutual  courtesies ; therefore, 

Resolved , That  we  most  cordially  unite  with  our  friends  in 
Kentucky  and  Tennessee,  in  hailing  the  completion  of  the 
Louisville  and  Nashville  Railroad  as  an  event  conducive  of  a 
larger  prosperity  to  the  Ohio  Valley  and  a more  active  inter- 
course among  our  people,  but  especially  as  an  event  which 
adds  another  link  to  the  chain  which  binds  us  together  as  a 
people. 

Resolved , That  among  our  social  and  political  advantages, 
there  is  none  that  we  value  higher  or  hold  more  sacred  than 
the  Union  of  the  States,  which,  by  making  us  one  people, 
makes  it  our  right,  as  it  is  a duty  and  a pleasure,  to  rejoice 
in  the  prosperity  of  each  other. 

Resolved , That  the  States  separated  by  the  Ohio  River, 
bound  together  by  geographical  contiguity  and  commercial 


5 


dependence,  as  well  as  by  a common  political  creed  and  line- 
age, should  always  be  united,  and  their  people  should  regard 
with  execration  the  political  demagogue,  the  fanatic  and  trai- 
tor, who  would  disturb  their  Union. 

Resolved , That  a Committee  of  five  be  appointed  by  this 
meeting  to  proceed  to  Louisville  to  express  to  the  members 
of  the  said  Legislatures,  and  the  citizens  of  those  States  so 
assembled,  our  earnest  and  cordial  congratulations  upon  the 
completion  of  a work  so  important  to  the  commerce  of  the 
West,  and  to  our  intercourse,  prosperity  and  union  as  a peo- 
ple ; and  also  most  respectfully  to  invite  the  members  of  the 
said  Legislatures,  the  Mayor  and  Council  of  the  City  of 
Louisville,  and  the  Directors  and  Officers  of  the  Louisville 
and  Nashville  Railroad,  to  visit  our  city  and  partake  of  its 
hospitality. 

Resolved , That  a Committee  of  Arrangements  and  Recep- 
tion, to  consist  of  fifteen  persons,  including  the  Mayor  of  this 
city,  who  is  hereby  requested  to  act  as  Chairman  of  the  same, 
be  appointed,  who  shall  make  preparations  to  entertain  our 
said  guests  in  a manner  worthy  our  said  city  and  the  occa- 
sion— and  indicative  of  the  cordial  friendship  and  profound 
regard  cherished  by  the  citizens  of  Cincinnati  toward  our  fel- 
low citizens  of  Tennessee  and  Kentucky,  and  who  shall  receive 
said  visitors,  and  extend  to  them  the  welcome  and  the  hospi- 
tality due  the  most  cherished  guests. 

Resolved , That  the  Legislature  and  Executive  officers  of 
Ohio  be,  and  they  are  hereby  respectfully  invited  to  visit  this 
city,  to  meet  the  Legislatures  of  Kentucky  and  Tennessee, 
and  to  partake  of  the  hospitalities  of  Cincinnati;  and  that 
the  Chairman  of  this  meeting  communicate  this  invitation  to 
them. 

The  following  resolution,  presented  by  Thomas  J.  Gal- 
lagher, Esq.,  was  also  adopted  : 

Resolved , That  the  City  Council  of  this  city  is  hereby 
respectfully  requested  to  take  such  action  as  will  in  its  judg- 


6 


ment  carry  out  to  the  fullest  the  object  and  intention  of  this 
meeting  as  expressed  in  the  foregoing  resolutions. 

A dispatch  from  Capt.  Zach.  Shirley  to  Mr.  Thomas 
Sherlock,  was  read,  announcing  that  the  Legislatures  of 
Kentucky  and  Tennessee  had  already  accepted  an  invita- 
tion from  the  Mail  Company  to  make  an  excursion  on  their 
steamer,  the  Jacob  Strader,  to  Cincinnati,  and  to  return 
on  the  same  boat ; also  a dispatch  from  Mr.  Rogers,  mem- 
ber of  the  Ohio  Legislature,  to  P.  W.  Strader,  stating  that 
the  Legislatures  of  our  two  sister  States  would  be  invited  to 
Columbus  by  the  Legislature  of  Ohio.  Great  enthusiasm 
followed. 

The  Mayor  announced  the  following  Committees  in  pur- 
suance of  the  Resolutions  : 

On  Invitations — Judge  Hall,  Larz  Anderson,  Henry 
Stanberry,  J.  S.  Chenoweth  and  Wash.  McLean. 

On  Arrangements — Miles  Greenwood,  John  H.  Jones, 
Elliott  Pendleton,  Rufus  King,  Bellamy  Storer,  C.  G. 
Pearce,  P.  W.  Strader,  Pollock  Wilson,  W.  J.  Whiteman, 
J.  C.  Butler,  Benj.  Eggleston,  L.  B.  Harrison,  Thompson 
Dean. 

On  motion,  the  Mayor  was  added  and  appointed  Chair- 
man of  said  Committee. 

On  Finance — B.  F.  Brannan,  J.  W.  Hartwell,  R.  B.  Bow- 
ler, C.  W.  West,  J.  IL  Brotherton. 

A joint  meeting  of  these  Committees  was  called — the 
Mayor  presiding. 

Communications  were  read  from  E.  Flint,  of  the  Ohio 
and  Mississippi ; H.  C.  Lord,  of  the  Indianapolis  and  Cin- 
cinnati ; S.  S.  L’Hommedieu,  of  the  Hamilton  and  Day- 
ton,  and  R.  B.  Bowler,  of  the  Covington  and  Lexington  R.  R., 
tendering  the  use  of  their  respective  roads  for  the  accom- 
modation of  the  excursionists. 


7 


A package  of  three  hundred  tickets,  to  the  National 
Theater,  for  the  use  of  the  excursionists,  was  received  from 
John  Bates. 

The  following  gentlemen  were  appointed  a Committee 
to  report  a Programme  for  the  occasion  : B.  Eggleston, 
Miles  Greenwood,  P.  W.  Strader,  Pollock  Wilson  and  Mr. 
Brannan. 

On  motion  it  wTas  resolved  that  the  Committee  of  Invi- 
tation have  full  discretionary  powers  to  invite  guests. 

The  Committee  on  Programme  reported  the  following 
as  the  order  of  reception  for  the  Legislative  guests : 

1.  That  a public  reception  be  given  them  at  the  largest 
hall  in  the  city. 

2.  A public  dinner  at  such  hotel  as  may  hereafter  be  se- 
lected. 

3.  The  public  exercises  at  the  hall  of  reception  to  be 
opened  by  the  Mayor,  on  behalf  of  the  city,  to  be  followed 
by  a speech  from  Hon.  Bellamy  Storer. 

4.  That  the  military  of  Cincinnati  be  invited  to  act  as  an 
escort. 

5.  That  proper  badges,  with  suitable  devices,  be  prepared 
for  the  guests  and  committees. 

6.  That  tickets  for  the  banquet  be  sold  to  citizens  as  the 
committee  may  deem  proper. 

7.  That  a committee  of  three  be  appointed  to  arrange  lor 
the  banquet,  and  proper  care  of  guests  at  the  various  hotels. 

8.  The  appointment  of  a committee  of  three  to  arrange 
with  the  military,  and  for  firing  a salute  on  the  arrival  of  the 
boat  from  Louisville. 

9.  The  appointment  of  a committee  of  three  to  procure 
carriages  and  omnibuses. 

The  matters  in  the  report  were  considered  seriatim , and 
adopted. 

On  motion,  it  was  resolved  that  a Committee  be  appointed 
to  receive  the  Ohio  Legislature. 


8 


A resolution  requesting  the  citizens  generally  to  decorate 
their  houses  and  places  of  business  on  the  day  of  reception, 
was  adopted. 

On  motion  the  members  of  the  press  accompanying  the  ex- 
cursion were  included  among  the  invited  guests. 

The  Chair  appointed  the  following  sub-committees  : 

On  Banquet — R.  B.  Bowler,  Miles  Greenwood,  L.  B.  Har- 
rison. 

On  Military — W.  J.  Whiteman,  Jos.  C.  Butler,  C.  W.  West. 

On  Omnibuses — Thompson  Dean,  P.  Wilson. 

On  Reception — John  D.  Jones,  W.  G.  Crippen,  C.  G. 
Pearce. 

On  Ohio  Legislature — Thos.  J.  Gallagher,  B.  Eggleston, 
Jos.  Torrence. 

On  Toasts — R.  King,  Stanley  Matthews,  W.  W.  Fosdick. 

On  Invitations  to  the  Press — One  from  each  of  the  dailies 
of  the  city. 

Reception  at  the  Opera  House — S.  S.  Davis,  S.  N.  Pike, 
G.  B.  Hollister,  Capt.  Dean. 

A communication  from  the  Committee  of  the  Ohio 
Legislature,  en  route  for  Louisville,  to  invite  the  Legisla- 
ture to  visit  Columbus,  was  received,  requesting  a con- 
ference with  the  Cincinnati  Committee  of  Arrangements 
at  the  Burnet  House. 

Meanwhile,  and  on  the  same  day  with  the  Cincinnati 
meeting,  the  Governor  of  Ohio  transmitted  the  following 
message  to  the  Legislature  : 

Executive  Department,  1 
Columbus,  January  21,  1860.  j 

To  the  General  Assembly: 

I have  received  information  that  the  Legislatures  of  Ken- 
tucky and  Tennessee  will  visit  Cincinnati  on  the  26th  inst., 
and  I take  great  pleasure  in  respectfully  suggesting  the  pro- 
priety of  the  General  Assembly  tendering  them  a cordial  in- 


9 


vitation  to  visit  this  city  prior  to  their  return  to  their 
respective  States.  Wm,  Dennison. 

In  the  House  of  Representatives,  on  motion  of  Mr. 
Brown,  of  Miami,  the  morning  business  was  suspended  to 
take  up  this  message,  when 

Mr.  Parrott,  of  Montgomery,  offered  the  following 
resolution : 

Be  it  Resolved  by  the  General  Assembly  of  the  State  of  Ohio , 
That  the  Governor  be  and  he  is  hereby  requested  to  invite 
the  Legislatures  of  Tennessee  and  Kentucky  to  visit  this  city 
on  the inst. 

Resolved , That  a joint  Committee  of  Seven  on  part  of  the 

House,  and on  part  of  the  Senate,  be  appointed  to 

proceed  to  Cincinnati,  in  person,  to  bear  such  invitation,  and 
act  as  a Committee  of  Escort  to  the  said  Legislatures. 

Resolved , That  the  Committee  on  Finance  be  instructed  to 
report  a bill  appropriating  the  sum  of  five  thousand  dollars 
to  defray  the  expense  of  entertaining  the  said  Legislatures. 

The  resolutions  were  adopted. 

The  Speaker  appointed  the  following  gentlemen  as  the 
committee : Messrs.  Parrott,  Codings,  Vincent,  Blakeslee, 
Woods,  Flagg,  and  Andrews. 


Senate,  January  21, 1860. 

The  Message  above-mentioned,  having  been  received 
from  the  Governor,  the  House  Joint  Resolutions  concern- 
ing the  visit,  were  read  and  adopted. 

The  President  appointed  as  the  Committee  on  part  of 
the  Senate : Messrs.  Garfield,  Cuppy,  Ready,  Holmes,  and 
Foster. 

The  Joint  Committee  waited  upon  Governor  Dennison 
and  was  presented  with  the  following : 


10 


' State  of  Ohio,  Executive  Department,  \ 
Columbus,  January  21,  1860.  j 

Gentlemen : 

I have  the  honor  to  transmit  herewith  a copy  of  a Resolu- 
tion, passed  this  day  by  the  General  Assembly  of  this  State, 
requesting  me  to  tender  a cordial  invitation  to  the  Legisla- 
tures of  Kentucky  and  Tennessee,  to  visit  this  city  on  the 
26th  inst.,  which  duty  I am  happy  to  perform. 

The  citizens  of  this  State  will  never  fail  to  extend  a hearty 
and  fraternal  welcome  to  the  Representatives  of  their  sister 
States,  and  I shall  ever  esteem  it  as  one  of  the  most  gratify- 
ing incidents  of  my  executive  administration,  that  I have 
been  the  honored  instrument  of  inviting  the  Legislatures  of 
the  patriotic  States  of  Kentucky  and  Tennessee  to  visit  the 
Capitol  of  Ohio. 

Permit  me,  in  behalf  of  the  General  Assembly,  and  the 
citizens  of  this  State,  and  individually,  to  express  the  earnest 
hope  that  no  engagements  may  prevent  you  and  your  honor- 
able bodies  from  accepting  this  invitation. 

Agreeably  to  the  directions  of  the  General  Assembly,  I 
forward  this  communication  by  its  Joint  Committee,  who  are 
charged  with  the  duty  of  accompanying  you  and  your  col- 
leagues here  as  an  escort. 

With]  sentiments  of  the  highest  consideration,  I have  the 
honor  to  be,  Very  respectfully,  yours,  etc. 

W.  Dennison. 

To  Messrs.  Thomas  P.  Porter,  Speaker  of  the  Senate  of 
Kentucky. 

David  Meriwether,  Speaker  of  the  House  of 
Representatives  of  Kentucky. 

T.  W.  Newman,  Speaker  of  the  Senate  of  Ten- 
nessee. ✓ 

T.  C.  Whitthorne,  Speaker  of  the  House  of  Rep 
resentatives  of  Tennessee. 

Upon  the  arrival  of  the  Joint  Committee  at  Cincinnati, 
and  a conference  with  the  Committees  of  Invitation  and 


11 


Reception,  appointed  by  the  citizens,  they  proceeded  to- 
gether to  Louisville  in  discharge  of  the  duties  devolving 
upon  them,  and  were  received  with  distinguished  hospital- 
ity at  that  city. 

On  the  night  of  the  24th  a banquet  was  given  by  the 
citizens  of  Louisville  to  their  distinguished  guests,  the 
Legislatures  of  the  two  States  of  Kentucky  and  Tennessee, 
to  which  the  Governors  of  Kentucky  and  Indiana  were 
invited,  as  also  the  Committees  from  the  Legislatures  of 
Ohio,  and  from  Cincinnati. 

The  banquet  took  place  at  the  Masonic  Temple,  and  the 
bill  of  fare  embraced  all  the  substantiate  and  delicacies  af- 
forded by  the  forests  and  rivers,  orchards,  vineyards,  pas- 
tures and  grain  fields  of  the  land. 

Six  tables,  each  capable  of  accommodating  one  hundred 
persons,  were  ranged  in  the  body  of  the  hall,  and  two  on 
the  platform  to  seat  about  one  hundred  more.  Around 
the  walls  and  pendant  from  the  chandeliers,  festoons  of  ever- 
green decorated  the  place,  and  in  front  of  the  dais  some 
choice  flowers  from  a conservatory,  imparted  a delicious 
fragrance  to  the  air.  Between  the  windows,  shields  with 
the  national  colors,  bearing  inscriptions,  bringing  to  our 
memories  the  great  men  of  the  world  of  literature.  Upon 
the  platform,  which  was  bordered  by  an  edgeways  of  plants 
in  pots,  were  seated  the  executive  officers  of  Tennessee 
(Lieutenant  Governor  Newman),  Indiana  (Governor  Wil- 
lard), and  Kentucky  (Governor  Magoffin),  who,  support- 
ing the  President,  Mayor  Crawford,  were  in  return  sup- 
ported by  the  members  of  the  committee  from  Ohio,  and 
and  other  distinguished  personages. 

Judge  Bullock  introduced  the  first  regular  toast  by  a 
speech,  of  which,  and  the  other  speeches  and  incidents,  the 


12 


following,  owing  to  an  unexpected  disappointment,  is  the 
only  report  that  could  be  obtained : 

Fellow  Citizens  of  Tennessee  and  Kentucky : 

On  behalf  of  the  Mayor  and  Council,  and  of  the  citizens  of 
Louisville  generally,  I tender  you  a hearty  welcome  to  our 
city.  It  gives  us  pleasure  to  see  the  chosen  Representatives 
of  Tennessee  and  Kentucky  united  in  the  bonds  of  a common 
brotherhood  around  this  festive  board. 

At  all  times  these  noble  States  have  been  firmly  united  by 
the  ties  of  interest,  and  blood,  and  affection,  but  they  are  now 
drawn  still  more  closely  together  by  the  apprehension  of  a 
common  danger. 

It  is  natural  that  Tennessee  and  Kentucky  should  take 
counsel  together  in  the  present  crisis  of  public  affairs.  They 
have  a common  interest  in  the  past,  the  present,  and  the  fu- 
ture. That  interest  is  not  susceptible  of  division.  It  is  too 
precious  to  be  subjected  to  the  rules  of  cold  and  selfish  cal- 
culation. There  is  nothing  mean  in  the  union  of  Tennessee 
and  Kentucky.  It  is  as  pure  and  unselfish  as  a sister’s  love. 
All  that  each  holds  most  dear  would  lose  more  than  half  its 
value  if  it  could  not  be  freely  shared  with  the  other.  If  there 
be  a political  union,  which  is  so  strongly  cemented  that  it  can 
not  be  severed,  it  is  that  which  binds  together  the  people  of 
Tennessee  and  Kentucky. 

We  call  this  a Union  festival.  And  it  is  an  occasion  of 
.more  than  ordinary  interest.  Kentucky  and  Tennessee  are 
here  to  renew  the  pledges  of  mutual  confidence  and  of  earn- 
est, heartfelt  devotion  to  the  American  Union.  The  Execu- 
tive and  Legislative  authorities  of  both  States  are  here,  and 
>as  if  by  a common  impulse,  are  in  joint  session  and  in  Com- 
mittee of  the  Whole  on  the  state  of  the  Union.  Who  can 
doubt  their  joint  and  unanimous  action  in  obedience  to  the 
wishes  of  their  enlightened  and  patriotic  constituents?  The 
Representatives  of  both  these  States,  and  of  all  the  States  in 
this  glorious  confederacy,  can  have  no  wiser  or  nobler  rule  of 


13 


action  that  that  contained  in  Kentucky’s  motto,  stamped  upon 
her  broad  seal  by  the  founders  of  the  State,  as  an  ever  en- 
dearing precept  and  memento  for  their  sons,  “ United  we 
stand,  divided  we  fall.” 

It  has  been  truly  said  that  the  American  Union  is  the  prin- 
ciple of  the  national  life,  and  its  dissolution  would  be  national 
death.  But  may  we  not  cherish  the  hope  that  what  is  here 
exhibited  in  the  close  and  intimate  alliance  of  Tennessee  and 
Kentucky,  is  only  typical  of  our  glorious  National  Union  ? 
May  we  not  indulge  the  inspiring  hope  that  the  Republic  is 
safe ; safe  from  the  assaults  of  faction,  safe  from  the  influence 
of  sectional  animosity,  safe  from  the  inroads  of  bigotry,  fan- 
aticism, and  crime,  safe  in  the  love  and  confidence  of  a virtu- 
ous, united,  and  enlightened  people? 

I will  detain  you  no  longer.  Permit  me  to  read  the  fol- 
lowing sentiment . 

Tennessee — In  this  national  crisis  she  will  cherish  in  her 
heart  of  hearts  the  noble  sentiment  of  her  patriot  hero — 
“ The  Union , it  must  be  preserved.” 

The  Hon.  T.  W.  Newman,  Speaker  of  the  Senate  of 
Tennessee,  responded  as  follows  : 

I stand  before  you  to-night  to  apologize  to  the  Representa- 
tives for  the  non-attendance  of  the  Governor  of  Tennessee. 
He,  sir,  would  have  been  with  you  but  from  severe  indispo- 
sition; and  it  remains  for  me,  as  an  humble  organ  of  the 
people  of  Tennessee,  to  return  you,  gentlemen,  the  Mayor, 
Common  Councilmen,  and  Aldermen  of  the  city  of  Louisville, 
and  to  the  people  of  Kentucky,  our  thanks  for  your  hospital- 
ity; and  in  reply  to  the  toast,  to  say  that  Tennessee  repeats 
the  words  of  her  great  hero,  in  double  terms.  Tennessee 
and  Kentucky  stand  as  one  in  this  great  Confederation  of 
States,  as  they  have  stood  in  past  days — in  days  of  trouble. 
Tennessee’s  soldiers  were  at  King’s  Mountain  in  defense 
of  our  common  liberties,  and,  therefore,  it  should  be  that 
Tennessee  and  Kentucky,  in  these  dangerous  times,  should 


n 


meet  together  again.  Tennessee  and  Kentucky  have  ever 
been  united.  They  came  into  the  Union  about  the  same  time, 
they  knocked  at  the  doors  of  Congress  for  admission  about 
the  same  time,  and  they  were  admitted  together;  and  to-day 
there  is  no  division.  Kentucky,  I say,  sir,  is  our  favorite 
sister  of  all  the  States.  In  the  war  of  1812,  when  blood  was 
freely  spilt  in  defense  of  a common  country,  the  soldiers  of 
Tennessee  and  Kentucky  stood  shoulder  to  shoulder  and  arm 
in  arm  in  the  contest;  in  charging  they  charged  together, 
and  the  same  stars  and  stripes  that  covered  the  one  covered 
the  other.  They  were  wounded  together,  they  died  together, 
and  they  were  buried  together!  We  meet  on  this  festive  oc- 
casion to  commemorate  the  memories  of  those  who  have  gone 
before  us,  and  to  re-assert  that  this  Union  must  and  shall  be 
preserved.  Hitherto  there  has  been,  as  to-day,  a dark  cloud 
over  this  Confederacy.  But  in  Kentucky  there  was  the  noble 
Clay.  Ho  you  not  indorse  his  noble  and  patriotic  policy  in 
that  exigency,  and  desire  to  emulate  his  disinterested  zeal  in  the 
cause  of  his  country?  When  the  question  was  to  be  deter- 
mined, who  stood  together?  Tennessee  and  Kentucky  united 
in  the  Congress  of  the  United  States  as  one  man  on  the  side 
of  my  good,  your  good,  and  our  good  Constitution.  Such 
was  the  sentiment  of  the  people  of  these  two  States,  and  I 
repeat,  on  this  occasion,  such  are  still  their  sentiments ; and 
we  pledge  the  honor,  we  pledge  the  faith,  and  we  pledge  the 
arms  of  Tennessee  to  the  union  of  the  States  under  the  Union. 
In  conclusion,  I beg  to  offer  a sentiment : 

Kentucky’s  great  statesman — Who  knew  no  North,  no  South ; 
nothing  but  his  country,  his  whole  country,  the  Constitution, 
the  Union,  and  the  laws. 

In  response  to  a toast  by  the  Mayor  of  Louisville,  in 
honor  of  the  State  of  Indiana,  Gov.  Willard  spoke  thus: 

Mr.  Mayor: — I return  to  you,  sir,  my  thanks,  not  only 
personal,  but  of  my  State,  for  the  honor  of  being  present  on 
this  occasion ; but  what  to  say  in  addition  I hardly  know.  I 


15 


come  here  from  the  other  side  of  the  river, — from  a great, 
sovereign  State.  I come  to  you;  where  shall  I rejoice? — 
where  shall  I begin?  Shall  I be  glad  that  Kentucky  has 
been  kind  to  Indiana  in  inviting  us  here?  No.  In  years 
gone  by  Kentucky  has  welcomed  Indiana  and  her  sons  upon 
this  soil,  and  they  have  been  treated  kindly.  Shall  I come 
to  join  with  you  in  this  festival  to  rejoice  because  you  have 
built  a railroad  from  Louisville  to  Nashville?  No.  That 
thing  was  done  long  ago  all  over  this  mighty  country.  But 
that  you  are  one  people  as  your  fathers  made  you,  I come  to 
rejoice  among  you.  Here  is  the  cause:  you  are  an  honest, 
Union-loving  people.  It  is  because  you  think  more  of  the 
Constitution  of  the  United  States,  and  the  Union  made  under 
it,  than  you  do  either  of  Kentucky  or  Tennessee. 

Can  we  live  together?  There  are  a great  many  people  in 
this  country  who  say  we  had  better  give  up  this  Union.  For 
one,  I say,  No ! I shall  not  give  it  up.  We  may  just  as  well 
talk  politics  to  you  about  this  thing  first  as  last.  There  is 
but  one  question  before  this  country  that  imperils  the  Union, 
that  is  the  relation  that  exists  between  the  white  man  and  the 
black  man  in  this  country.  There  is  no  other  question  that 
enters  this  Confederacy  to  cleave  it  open.  Now,  the  true 
and  honest  Union-man,  the  one  who  loves  his  country,  will 
say  to  the  Southern  man : You  may  have  the  negro  your  slave. 
Every  true  and  honest  Southern  man  who  loves  the  Union, 
will  say  to  the  Northern  man:  You  need  not  make  the  negro 
your  slave  unless  you  want  to.  Kentucky  has  no  right  to  say 
to  Indiana,  You  shall  be  a slave  State.  Indiana  has  no  right 
to  turn  upon  the  other  side  and  say  Kentucky  shall  be  a free 
State.  And  this  quarrel  does  not  grow  up  between  Tennes- 
see and  Kentucky,  Indiana  and  Ohio.  All  along  the  border 
line  between  these  States  are  people,  friends  of  the  Union. 
They  know  full  well  that  Kentuckians’  blood  has  been  poured 
out  as  water  upon  Indiana  soil.  We  have  been  friends,  yea, 
from  the  mouth  of  the  Missouri  river  clear  beyond  the  line 
of  the  Wabash,  up  the  Miami,  and  beyond  it, — true  men  on 
the  one  side  and  on  the  other.  But  up  in  the  far  North, 


16 


where  many  men  never  saw  four  negroes  in  their  lives,  we 
have  a quarrel,  and  down  in  the  extreme  South  a great  many 
Southern  men  are  not  satisfied  with  the  present  state  of  gov- 
ernment. I,  for  one, — and  I think  I speak  the  voice  of  my 
people, — am  satisfied  where  the  laws  now  are.  They  were 
made  by  no  mean  statesmen : they  were  made  by  men  who 
knew  more  of  this  government  than  I could  learn,  though  I 
studied  for  years.  That  Constitution  was  made  clear;  every 
gap  has  been  closed.  They  have  said  that  the  African  slave 
trade  should  not  be  re-opened.  There  we  stand.  We  say, 
moreover,  there  was  a bond  put  in  that  Constitution,  not  for 
Kentucky  alone.  Why,  Kentucky  was  not  alive  then ! It 
was  put  there  for  everybody  who  was  to  live  under  the  Con- 
stitution. It  was  for  criminal  runaways  from  one  State  to 
another.  A negro  who  runs  away  from  one  State  to  an- 
other, owing  his  allegiance  as  a bondsman  in  one  State, 
should  be  given  up.  That  is  all ! I say,  we  are  done  with 
legislation,  and  if  we  will  hut  execute  the  laws  that  now  exist, 
a more  truth-loving  and  loyal  people  will  not  he  found  upon 
the  earth. 

My  fellow-citizens,  let  us  come  and  bind  up  in  closer  unity 
these  States;  give  up  discussing  the  policy  of  government  in 
a personal  sense,  and  rise  to  higher  grounds  of  deliberation 
and  nobler  spheres  of  political  action.  Who  are  we  that 
w'ould  listen  to  the  voice  of  dissention ! Are  we  not  of  one 
race,  of  one  blood,  of  one  family,  of  one  destiny  ? Have  the 
rains  of  heaven  poured  upon  these  States  and  washed  out  all 
the  blood  spilt  at  Lexington,  Bunker  Hill,  Trenton,  York- 
town?  Or  are  those  who  there  filled  martyrs’  graves  to  be 
forgotten  forever?  Is  there  nothing  left?  There  is  a great 
inheritance  left — a priceless  treasure — this  country,  the  Con- 
stitution, and  the  Union.  Tell  me,  shall  any  men  or  set  of 
men,  living  in  the  extreme  portions  of  this  Union,  jeopardize 
this  inheritance  for  the  gratification  of  private  interests  and 
low  born,  selfish  aspiration?  Shall  this  peaceful  section  be 
made  the  battle-ground  of  these  factions?  Shall  we  who  are 
brothers,  having  everything  to  lose,  be  pressed  into  a conflict 


17 


with  one  another?  I say,  young  man  as  I am,  to  old  men 
around  me  far  my  seniors,  let  the  day  and  the  hour  come 
when  a battle  shall  be  for  or  against  this  Union,  and  I will 
take  the  most  faint-hearted  girl  in  Indiana  and  place  in  her 
hands  our  national  flag,  and  there  will  rally  around  her  more 
soldiers  than  followed  the  footsteps  of  Peter  the  Hermit! 

To  the  next  regular  toast,  introduced  by  Mr.  Wolfe — 

Kentucky — If  treason  to  the  Union  shall  prevail  in  the 
North  or  in  the  South,  our  noble  State  will  stand  between  the 
two  sections  as  stood  the  people  of  old  between  the  living  and 
the  dead,  to  stay  the  progress  of  the  pestilence — 

Governor  Magoffin,  of  Kentucky,  answered : 

Gentlemen : — I thank  you  and  the  gentleman  who  has  made 
me  the  object  of  his  remarks.  In  response  to  the  toast, 
I say  that  never  on  earth  do  I expect  to  see  such  another 
spectacle  as  this.  In  this  festive  hall,  amid  these  blazing 
lights,  and  under  the  inspiration  of  this  soul-stirring  music, 
there  stand  here  to-night  one  thousand  freemen,  of  which  any 
nation  may  be  proud — the  representatives,  probably,  of  ten 
millions  of  people,  all  conservative,  all  patriotic,  who  are  met 
together  to  strengthen  the  fraternal  ties  that  bind  this  glori- 
ous Union  together.  After  the  speeches  and  the  responses 
that  have  been  delivered  to  you  to-night,  I think  we  have 
been  faint-hearted  ever  to  despair  of  the  Republic.  The 
slave  States  have  spoken  to  the  free  States,  and  the  free 
States  have  responded  in  the  same  sentiment  to  the  slave 
States.  Kentucky  and  Tennessee  have  spoken  to  Indiana,. 
Indiana  has  spoken  to  Kentucky,  and  now  Kentucky  echoes 
back  the  sentiment  of  a deep  and  undivided  attachment  to 
this  Union.  I say  to  Tennessee,  as  my  distinguished  friend 
has  said  to  Kentucky,  she  is  our  favorite  sister.  Alike  in 
physical  beauties,  alike  in  soil  and  productions,  alike  in  man- 
ners and  customs,  alike  in  chivalry,  and  so  alike  in  their 
various  features  that  you  can  scarcely  tell  the  one  from  the 
2 


18 


other.  They  will  stand  side  by  side  in  defense  of  this  glori- 
ous Union.  Among  other  ties  which  bind  them  together,  is 
one  of  iron — the  Louisville  and  Nashville  Railroad,  not  only  a 
State,  but,  in  a more  liberal  sense,  a national  work.  Thus 
are  we  bound  together  in  the  closest  union ; in  a unanimity 
of  sentiment,  in  political  associations,  and  similarity  of  insti- 
tutions, by  the  memory  of  associations  that  hang  around  the 
Hermitage  and  Ashland.  To-night  we  hear  voices  of  greet- 
ing coming  from  Nashville  to  Louisville,  the  two  great  com- 
mercial emporiums  of  two  great  States,  from  Kentucky  to 
Tennessee ; and  the  echo  of  that  greeting  is  a cheering  sound 
throughout  the  Union.  That  echo  mingles  with  the  words  of 
past  statesmen,  reiterating  the  sentiment  of  Washington,  that 
there  is  no  danger  to  this  Union,  except  a sectional  party. 
We  are  in  the  center  of  this  Union,  a rich  country,  highly 
conservative,  highly  patriotic;  a people  occupying  the  middle 
ground  between  Ihe  two  conflicting  parties,  the  fanatics  of 
the  North  and  those  of  the  South ; a people  gathering 
strength  every  day,  and  holding  in  their  hands  the  political 
power  of  this  Republic,  with  patriotism  enough  and  wisdom 
enough  to  maintain  this  ground,  where  the  honest  lovers  of 
the  Union,  from  every  section,  can  meet  and  become  identi- 
fied in  their  interests.  We  have  power  to  exert  this  salutary 
and  saving  influence,  and  I doubt  not  we  have  the  will.  How 
is  it  to  be  done  ? Well,  I think  we  have  only  to  go  on  as  we 
have  gone  under  the  law..  We  have  got  to  stand  under  the 

law.  We  have  got  to  stand  by  the  Compromises  of , I 

don’t  like  to  use  that  word — I mean  the  adjustment  of  1850 — 
asking  nothing  we  will  not  concede — occupying  the  middle 
ground,  making  no  discriminations  between  one  kind  of 
property  in  legislation,  standing  by  the  repeal  of  the  Mis- 
souri Compromise.,  by  the  Dred  Scott  decision,  by  the  Fugi- 
tive Slave  Law,  and  by  the  Executive  powers  that  will  carry 
out  these  laws  ; we  would  stand  up  for  the  principle  of  leav- 
ing this  question  of  Slavery  localized ; we  would  not  give  it 
to  the  Congress  of  the  United  States.  You  may  talk  about 
it  as  you  will,  if  you  pass  laws  that  the  people  do  not  want, 


19 


you  can  not  execute  them,  and  it  comes  at  last  to  that  prin- 
ciple of  government  which  leaves  the  disposition  of  domestic 
institutions  in  the  hands  of  the  people.  So  far  as  the  dis- 
cussion of  this  impracticable  and  dangerous  question  is  con- 
cerned, openly  and  plainly  I express  the  opinion  here  to- 
night, that  this  favorite  question  ought  never  to  have  been 
made  the  test  question  in  the  Democratic  party,  or  in  any 
other  party.  We  should  take  no  position  in  the  present  con- 
dition of  affairs  that  would  drive  from  us  a man  who  stood 
up  in  the  hour  of  peril,  and  in  the  midst  of  dangers,  in  de- 
fense of  those  privileges  that  were  about  to  be  wrenched 
from  us. 

All  I have  to  say,  in  conclusion,  gentlemen,  is  this : No 
matter  what  comes,  we  will  keep  step  to  the  music  of  the 
Union,  defend  the  rights  of  the  States,  conceding  all  we  ask, 
and  ever  abiding  by  the  compact  of  these  States. 

Among  the  other  toasts,  was  the  following : 

The  State  of  Ohio — One  of  the  giants  of  the  American 
Confederacy.  We  tender  her  Representatives  a hearty  wel- 
come to  this  Union  Festival. 

To  which  Messrs.  J.  A.  Garfield,  of  the  Ohio  Senate, 
and  E.  A.  Parrott,  of  the  House,  replied;  and  this  oppor- 
tunity was  taken  by  them  to  • extend  to  the  Governors 
present,  as  well  as  to  the  Legislatures,  the  invitation  from 
the  Governor  and  Legislature  of  Ohio : 

Mr.  Garfield  said — 

Legislators  of  Kentucky  and  Tennessee , and 

Fellow- Citizens  of  our  Common  Country: 

With  pleasure  undissembled  I rise  to  respond,  in  behalf  of 
the  State  I have  the  honor  to  represent,  to  the  sentiment  just 
offered.  We  greet  you  here  to-night  as  brothers  of  this  great 
Union — zealous  for  its  common  good  and  its  common  glory. 


20 


This  is  an  auspicous  hour — and  the  Representatives  from  Ohio 
are  happy  to  participate  with  you  in  its  festivities.  It  is  a 
new  epoch  in  our  history  when  the  Legislatures  of  two  great 
States,  and  delegations  from  two  more,  are  permitted  to  clasp 
hands  “ beside  the  beautiful  river,”  and  let  the  strong  barriers 
of  party  prejudice  be,  for  a time,  overwhelmed  and  swept 
away  by  the  stronger  currents  of  manly  regard  and  brotherly 
affection.  It  is  an  event  full  of  good  omen,  that,  when  party 
rancor  has  reached  the  highest  degree  of  bitter  intensity, 
when  the  tempest  of  partisan  strife  is  raging  with  unexampled 
fury,  and  its  waves  having  risen  almost  to  the  lighthouse,  and 
are  threatening  to  extinguish  our  beacon,  and  in  the  gather- 
ing darkness  toss  our  Ship  of  State  upon  the  breakers,  that 
here,  in  the  Great  Valley  of  the  Great  West,  sister  States 
have  met  in  social  friendship,  and  are  saying,  with  united 
voice  to  the  angry  waves,  “ Peace,  be  still.”  Brethren,  we 
have  too  long  heard  of  a North  and  a South.  Their  angry 
words  have  too  long  vexed  the  hearts  of  our  fellow-citizens. 
But  there  is  a third  voice  to  be  heard  ere  long.  I hope  and 
believe  the  day  is  not  far  distant  when  the  Great  West 
shall  speak,  and  her  voice  shall  be  heard  from  sea  to  sea.  In 
that  voice  shall  mingle  no  tones  of  doubt  or  uncertainty.  In 
that  utterance  shall  be  heard  no  note  of  disunion.  For,  while 
this  mighty  river  bears  on  its  bosom  the  wealth  of  this  great 
valley,  so  long  must  this  circle  of  States  be  undivided,  the 
bonds  of  union  unbroken.  But  more  than  all  our  rivers, 
more  than  all  our  commerce,  more  than  all  our  wealth,  are  the 
treasures  of  a nobler  kind,  which  these  sister  States  contain. 

Sirs,  there  is  a talismanic  name,  at  whose  mention  the  hearts 
of  thousands  in  the  Buckeye  State  still  beat  with  a quicker 
bound ; and  the  eyes  of  many  a gray-haired  veteran  are  kin- 
dled anew  with  the  fires  of  memory  and  love.  Ohio  and 
Kentucky  can  never  be  severed  while  your  soil  enshrines  the 
sacred  ashes  of  that  gallant  and  chivalric  Knight,  the  Orator 
and  Sage  of  Ashland.  And  while  that  old  iron  hero,  at  whose 
glance  the  hydra  of  disunion  quailed,  sleeps  in  his  quiet  tomb 
at  the  Hermitage,  the  sons  of  Tennessee  will  echo  his  own 


21 


words,  “ The  Union,  by  the  Eternal,  it  must  and  shall  be 
preserved.”  Ohio,  too,  can  utter  a name  that  stirs  a generous 
impulse  in  every  American’s  bosom,  and  while  our  great  river 
sweeps  around  North  Bend,  the  hero  that  slumbers  there  can 
never  be  forgotten.  Who,  then,  shall  sever  this  Union? 
Where  will  you  draw  the  line  ? Between  Ohio  and  Kentucky  ? 
The  river  that  bears  the  name  of  my  native  State  would  sing 
of  Ohio  in  every  wave  that  kisses  your  shores.  Who,  in  that 
sad  separation,  shall  take  the  cherished  and  proud  memories 
of  our  country?  Shall  we  dig  up  the  sacred  ashes  of  our  heroes 
and  statesmen  and  divide  them  among  the  separated  and  dis- 
honored fragments  of  our  great  confederacy?  I ask, — as 
your  own  Crittenden  has  asked, — “ who  shall  have  the  stars 
and  stripes?  Who  shall  have  Hail  Columbia  and  Yankee 
Doodle  ?”  But,  sirs,  I will  no  longer  dwell  on  so  painful  a 
theme.  Ohio  cherishes  no  sentiment  of  disunion.  I come 
from  the  extreme  North  of  Ohio — from  the  Western  Reserve — 
from  the  neighborhood  of  Joshua  R.  Giddings,  a name  you 
have  all  heard — and  I know  the  truth  of  what  I am  about  to 
utter  in  regard  to  Ohio.  It  is  the  glory  of  our  institutions 
that  we  enjoy  the  utmost  freedom  of  opinion  and  expression; 
yet,  when  the  voice  of  the  Union  is  heard,  we  acquiesce  and 
obey  its  mandates.  Sirs,  whatever  sentiments  Ohio  cherishes, 
she  utters  freely  and  fearlessly;  you  have  heard  her  utter- 
ances ; but  when  the  fiat  of  this  great  Confederate  Empire 
goes  forth,  that  fiat  becomes  Ohio’s  law,  her  rule  of  cheerful 
duty.  To  be  citizens  of  Kentucky,  Tennessee,  or  Ohio,  is  a 
proud  and  honorable  distinction;  but  the  title  of  American 
citizens  is  prouder  still. 

Not  then  as  partisans,  but  as  fellow-citizens  of  the  Union, 
we  greet  you  here  to-night.  Let  such  occasions  as  these  be 
more  frequent.  Let  the  hand  of  social  brotherhood  be  oftener 
grasped.  Let  the  citizens  of  these  sister  States  know  each 
other  better,  and  the  asperities  of  their  political  opinions  will 
be  mutually  softened,  and  the  bond  of  union  more  strongly 
cemented. 

To  this  end,  that  we  may  enjoy  still  more  of  this  fraternal 


22 


fellowship,  I will  proceed  to  perform  the  agreeable  duty  with 
which  I am  charged.  I have  the  honor  to  he  the  bearer  of  a 
message  from  his  Excellency,  the  Governor  of  Ohio,  to  their 
Excellencies,  the  Governors  of  Kentucky,  Tennessee  and 
Indiana,  inviting  them  to  visit  the  capitol  of  our  State,  on  the 
26th  inst.  The  heart  of  Ohio  seconds  this  invitation,  and  I 
earnestly  hope  to  receive  a favorable  response. 

Mr.  Parrott  then  arose  and  spoke : 

Mr.  Chairman  and  Citizens: 

While  expressing  my  sincere  desire  that  you  will  honor  us 
by  your  acceptance  of  this  invitation,  allow  me  to  say  that 
the  season  is  opportune  for  an  exchange  of  friendly  cour- 
tesies and  congratulations  among  the  three  States  here  rep- 
resented. 

The  event  which  has  more  especially  called  you  together, 
is  one  of  no  small  importance  to  the  State  of  Ohio. 

A railroad  starting  from  a southern  seaport,  and  describing 
an  arc  through  several  interior  States,  meets  the  sea  again  far 
to  the  northward.  The  completion  of  the  last  link  in  this 
chain  is  a subject  of  congratulation  to  every  State  through 
which  it  runs.  It  is  to  them  like  a bar  passing  through  va- 
rious loops.  It  grapples  them  together  as  with  hooks  of 
steel. 

Such  bonds  of  commercial  union  are  called  for  in  this 
juncture  as  tending  to  perpetuate  our  political  Union. 

This  confederacy,  sir,  has  withstood  many  a shock,  but 
none  so  serious  as  thaknow  apparently  imminent.  The  fathers 
in  our  councils,  old  weather-beaten  veterans,  like  your  own 
Crittenden,  whose  courage  has  not  faltered  amid  the  wildest 
tempests,  when  the  troubled  waves  of  popular  sentiment 
licked  the  very  heavens,  now  confess  that  the  tokens  of  the 
gathering  storm,  the  yeasty  waves,  the  beclouded  skies,  and 
the  angry  mutterings  of  the  distant  thunders,  disturb  their 
profoundest  apprehensions. 

In  this  crisis  how  meet  it  is  that  three  neighboring  States 
should  meet  together,  and  purging  themselves  by  friendly 


23 


intercourse  and  more  intimate  acquaintance,  of  mutual 
prejudices  and  misconceptions,  should  with  united  voice  pro- 
claim, that  behind  them  lies  the  great  West,  numbering  in 
States  as  many  as  the  old  confederacy,  and  in  population 
millions  more,  which  has  realized  the  majority  which  it  has 
attained,  has  put  off  every  badge  of  pupilage,  and  having  as- 
sumed the  manly  toga,  will  henceforth  assert  its  legitimate 
powers  in  the  conduct  of  public  affairs.  Tennessee,  Ken- 
tucky and  Ohio,  as  frontier  States  of  this  great  Western 
Empire,  are  privileged  to  take  the  initiative  in  the  assertion 
of  her  long  neglected  rights. 

Objects  of  high  concern  demand  our  closer  union.  The 
inland  States  most  of  all  are  interested  against  a dissolution 
of  the  ties  that  now  connect  us  in  one.  They  can  never 
consent  that  the  great  highways  of  trade  by  which  they  now 
reach  the  open  sea,  and  communicate  with  other  countries, 
shall  pass  under  the  control  of  what  in  the  event  of  dissolu- 
tion would  be  to  the  foreign  nations , holding  them,  as  the 
rest  of  mankind,  in  peace  friends  and  enemies  in  war.  But 
why  dwell  on  the  commercial  considerations  against  disunion? 
Other  higher,  nobler  interests  determine  us  against  that  re- 
sult. All  the  glories  of  our  past,  the  prosperity  of  the 
future,  depending  on  the  perpetuity  of  the  republic ; our  dis- 
grace and  the  dismay  of  a wishful  world,  consequent  upon 
its  dismemberment.  Here  the  young  giant  of  the  West  may 
well  put  forth  his  strength  and  strangle  the  monster  Dis- 
union ere  it  has  fairly  sprung  into  life.  Tennessee  is  en- 
trusted with  the  mortal  remains  of  him  whose  strong  will  and 
purified  patriotism  allayed  the  evil  spirit  of  rebellion,  when 
once  it  lifted  its  horrid  front  against  the  perpetuity  of  the 
Union ; and  until  Tennessee  is  prepared  to  part  with  the 
tomb  of  Jackson  and  to  turn  its  back  upon  the  lesson  of 
faithfulness  to  the  Constitution  which  his  life  illustrates,  she 
will  not,  I know,  join  her  voice  in  the  discordant  cry  of  dis- 
union. And  old  Kentucky,  the  history  of  whose  dark  and 
bloody  day,  is  so  rich  in  the  heroism  of  pioneer  civilization  ; 
Kentucky  holds  the  tomb  of  Clay.  That  grave  is  not  yet 


24 


sunk  level  with  the  ground ; the  path  to  it  is  still  trodden  by 
the  veneration  of  those  who  love  their  country,  for  him 
who  loved  her  most  of  all.  About  it,  partisan  warfare  has 
grounded  its  weapons,  and  those  who  loved  and  those  who 
hated  him  in  life,  together  join  to  lay  the  immortal  wreath 
upon  his  tomb.  And  can  it  be  that  so  soon  the  echo  of  that 
voice  which  Kentucky  once  leaped  to  hear,  has  lost  its  po- 
tency to  stir  your  hearts  ? 

No,  no  ! While  a dead  Clay  sleeps  under  your  sod,  and 
the  practical  sense  of  a Guthrie  teaches  a sound  conserva- 
tism, Disunion  can  erect  no  temple  in  Kentucky — can  set  up 
no  shrine  here  at  which  a single  deluded  devotee  will  wor- 
ship. Ohio  is  not  so  rich  in  the  remains  of  those  whose 
names  are  given  to  a splendid  immortality,  yet  North  Bend 
overlooks  the  Queen  City. 

On  the  polished  mirror  of  her  reputation,  ineffectual 
slander  has  breathed,  but  Ohio  invites  Tennessee  and  Ken- 
tucky to  look  therein  and  behold  her  ancient  fraternity,  her 
undiminished  loyalty. 

Come  over  and  visit  her.  You  will  find  in  her  borders  no 
spirit  of  professional  Union-saving  for  the  sake  of  cotton,  no 
patriotism  depending  on  the  price  of  pork,  but  a devotion  to 
the  Union  for  the  sake  of  the  Union.  Ohio  holds  fast  to  the 
Constitution  as  the  sheet-anchor  of  her  safety ; and,  although 
some  of  the  compromises  under  it  are  against  her  sense  of 
right,  and  positively  distasteful  to  her,  yet  she  will  fulfill 
them  all  so  long  as  they  remain  upon  the  statute-book.  Con- 
ceding this,  she  expects  her  sister  States  to  exact  from  her 
nothing  that  she  can  not  fairly  yield.  In  the  old  days,  the 
sons  of  Kentucky,  under  a Shelby  and  a Daviess,  came  over 
and  helped  us  against  the  savage  foe;  we  invite  you  now  to 
come  ; and  together  let  us  make  a league  against  an  enemy 
more  terrible  than  the  scalping-knife  and  tomahawk ; an  enemy 
whose  violent  hands  threaten  to  demolish  the  fabric  of  con- 
stitutional government. 

Accept  this  invitation  from  Ohio  to  visit  her  capitol,  and 
there  laying  our  hands  upon  the  altar,  together  let  us  renew 


25 


our  fidelity  to  that  sacred  sentiment,  Union  and  Liberty,  one 
and  inseparable,  now  and  forever. 

Come,  brethren,  and  we  will  welcome  you  with  hospitable 
hands  to  fraternal  feasts. 

Gov.  Merriwether. — Gentlemen,  allow  me  to  say  I am  in- 
structed by  the  Legislative  department  of  the  State  of  Ken- 
tucky to  accept  the  invitation;  but  I am  instructed  to  make 
one  stipulation,  namely : that  you  will  return  with  us  to  Ken- 
tucky. 

Lieut.  Gov.  Newman. — In  the  name  of  Tennessee  and  her 
Representatives,  we  accept  your  invitation,  and  will  go  with 
you  to  Columbus. 

William  J.  Flagg,  Esq.,  on  behalf  of  the  Cincinnati 
Committee,  here,  in  graceful  terms,  tendered  to  the  Gov- 
ernors of  Kentucky  and  Indiana,  and  to  the  Legislatures 
of  Kentucky  and  Tennessee,  the  hospitalities  of  the  citi- 
zens of  Cincinnati ; extending  the  invitation  likewise  to 
the  Municipal  authorities  of  Nashville  and  Louisville  here 
present,  and  the  various  Committees  connected  with  this 
Festival,  and  to  the  Directors  of  the  Louisville  and  Nash- 
ville Railroad ; which  were  accepted  by  resounding  accla- 
mation. 

The  other  regular  toasts  of  the  evening  were  the  fol- 
lowing : 

Tennessee  and  Kentucky — Twin  sisters,  bound  together  in 
an  indissoluble  embrace  by  geographical  position,  identity  of 
interests,  of  habits,  of  manners,  and  pursuits,  and  by  a heart- 
felt devotion  to  our  glorious  National  Union. 

The  Federal  Constitution — Its  inviolability  the  only  perma- 
nent guarantee  for  the  preservation  of  the  Union,  and  fidelity 
to  its  precepts  the  truest  test  of  patriotism. 

The  Union-loving  Men  of  the  North — We  hail  with  plea- 
sure and  reciprocate  their  manifestations  of  fraternal  regard. 
We  honor  them  for  their  noble  vindication  of  the  Constitu- 
tional rights  of  the  South. 


26 


Responded  to  by  a member  of  Tennessee  and  one  from 
Kentucky. 

The  City  of  Nashville — Louisville  extends  to  her  the  hand 
of  a loving  sister,  and  welcomes  her  to  this  festive  board. 

The  Louisville  and  Nashville  Railroad — A new  bond  of 
union  between  two  States,  already  connected  by  the  closest 
ties.  The  successful  completion  of  this  great  work  amply 
attests  the  ability  and  fidelity  of  those  to  whom  it  was  con- 
fided. 

Speeches  were  delivered  by  Mr.  Whitthorne,  Speaker  of 
the  Tennessee  House  of  Representatives,  and  Lieutenant 
Governor  Porter,  Speaker  of  the  Kentucky  Senate,  in  ac- 
knowledgment of  these  toasts ; followed  by  Messrs.  Stokes 
and  Payne,  of  the  Tennessee  Legislature,  Hodge,  of  the 
Kentucky  Legislature,  John  G.  Brown,  Representative  in 
Congress ; and  the  Hon.  Jas.  Guthrie  being  loudly  called 
for,  came  forward  and  briefly  replied : 

Fellow  - Citizens : — After  so  much  that  has  been  said,  and 
well  said,  and  which,  I am  fully  impressed,  has  reached  the 
hearts  and  penetrated  the  judgments  of  all  in  attendance,  I 
can  not  obtain  my  consent  to  inflict  a speech  on  you,  well 
knowing  that  to  the  patriotic  sentiments  already  uttered,  I 
can  add  nothing,  and  can  not  inspire  in  your  hearts  more  en- 
thusiasm for  the  Union,  and  a purer  patriotism,  than  you  now 
give  evidence  of;  an  evidence  which,  let  me  assure  you,  gen- 
tlemen, is  to  me  a source  of  gratification  words  can  not  ex- 
press. Carry  to  your  homes  the  sentiments  that  now  animate 
your  hearts,  and  abide  by  them  through  the  coming  years. 
The  consciousness,  sir,  that  the  West  is  for  the  Union  and 
the  Constitution,  and  the  faithful  carrying  out  of  its  pro- 
visions, affords  a basis  for  hearty  congratulation,  renewed 
confidence  in  the  permanency  of  our  institutions,  and  an  en- 
larged hope  for  and  trust  in  the  future  and  the  richness  of  its 
results.  We  see  the  whole  thirty-three  of  the  constellation 


27 


that  forms  this  glorious  Union  unbroken,  and,  if  we  stand  by 
the  Constitution  and  guarantees,  the  sight  will  ever  gladden 
our  eyes  and  the  eyes  of  our  children. 

A full  consciousness  of  the  inestimable  blessings  we  now 
possess  in  the  Union  of  these  States,  we  may  never  arrive  at 
until  deprived  of  them : but  in  such  an  event,  the  poignancy 
of  our  remorse  will  be  increased  by  the  reflection  that  never 
can  we  regain  our  lost  paradise  of  freedom  and  beneficent 
institutions.  0 let  us,  then,  guard  our  political  birthright 
with  a most  jealous  vigilance,  pledging  to  its  protection  our 
lives,  our  fortunes,  and  our  sacred  honors. 

Fellow-citizens,  I need  pursue  this  subject  no  further.  You 
all  doubtless  feel  how  much  depends  on  the  recognition  of  our 
Constitution  and  laws,  and  the  strict  enforcement  of  them  in 
letter  and  spirit. 

I would  say  a word  of  the  great  system  of  internal  im- 
provement now  engaging  Western  enterprise.  In  these  fields 
political  animosities  seldom  have  entrance.  Slowly  but  surely 
are  results  herein  accomplished  which  bear  the  most  vital  re- 
lations to  our  political  welfare,  and  all  with  so  little  confusion. 
The  Louisville  and  Nashville  Railroad  is  one  of  these  enter- 
prises, already  realizing  the  most  beneficial  results,  commer- 
cial, social,  and  political.  Let  us  encourage  them. 

In  conclusion,  let  me  urge  upon  you  not  to  despair  of  the 
Union,  but  set  vigorously  to  work  to  protect  it  from  further 
attacks,  both  from  abroad  and  at  home. 

The  vast  assemblage  then  arose,  and,  with  three  pro- 
longed and  deafening  cheers  for  the  Union,  dispersed  in  a 
blaze  of  enthusiasm. 

On  Wednesday  evening,  January  25th,  the  magnificent 
steamer,  Jacob  Strader,  so  generously  provided  for  the  ac- 
commodation of  the  Governors,  the  Legislatures  of  Ten- 
nessee and  Kentucky,  together  with  the  Municipal  authori- 
ties of  Louisville,  Nashville,  and  Frankfort,  shoved  out  into 


28 


the  stream,  and,  amid  the  cheering  of  the  vast  crowd  as- 
sembled on  the  levee,  and  deafened  by  the  joyous  reverbe- 
rations of  cannon,  gallantly  stemmed  the  turbid  tide  of  the 
noble  Ohio,  bound  for  Cincinnati  and  the  hospitalities  of 
the  Buckeyes.  Just  prior  to  starting,  Col.  Payne,  of  Ten- 
nessee, eloquently  addressed  the  large  audience,  and  the 
patriotic  sentiments  enunciated  were  received  with  un- 
bounded applause  and  approbation. 

On  the  steamer  everything  was  “ merry  as  a marriage 
bell.”  The  entire  party,  of  over  six  hundred,  were  in 
capital  spirits,  which  found  vent  in  those  social  amenities 
peculiarly  characteristic  of  the  West. 

The  excursion,  above  Madison,  met  the  Telegraph,  from 
Cincinnati  to  Louisville.  She  returned  with  them  to  Madi- 
son, where,  while  speeches  were  being  delivered,  a few 
hundred  shakedowns  or  cots,  for  the  accommodation  of  the 
super  excursionists,  were  received. 

Mr.  Harrington,  on  the  part  of  the  corporation,  made  a 
welcoming  speech,  to  which  Col.  Payne  responded  for  the 
excursionists.  Senator  Andrews,  of  Kentucky,  was  called 
for,  and  he  made  a brief  and  happy  speech. 

The  guests,  in  charge  of  the  Committee  of  the  Ohio 
Legislature,  arrived  in  Cincinnati  between  eight  and  nine 
o’clock,  Thursday  morning,  on  the  Jacob  Strader,  to  the 
number  of  about  five  hundred.  The  boat  lay-to  about  six 
miles  below  the  city. 

At  six  o’clock  the  steamers  Silver  Moon  and  Bostona, 
chartered  by  the  Citizens’  Committee,  left  the  wharf  to 
meet  the  Strader.  Both  boats  were  crowded.  A band  of 
music  was  on  each  steamer,  and  an  escort  of  the  Guthrie 
Grays.  Breakfast  was  spread  on  each  steamer  for  the  ac- 
commodation of  guests. 

In  the  early  dawn  the  steamers  met.  It  was  unexpected 


29 


to  the  guests.  Amid  cheers  and  strains  of  music,  Cincin- 
nati gave  forth  her  first  greeting  to  the  visitors,  inviting 
them  to  a smoking  hot  breakfast  The  invitation  was 
greeted  with  enthusiastic  cheers. 

The  three  boats  were  lashed  abreast,  and  swept  up  to 
the  city,  with  banners  flying,  bands  playing,  and  the  peo- 
ple in  great  enthusiasm. 

The  scene,  on  reaching  the  city,  was  decidedly  imposing. 
The  bands  on  the  boats  were  playing,  the  steam  whistles, 
at  intervals,  roaring  like  concentrated  hurricanes,  the  can- 
non thundering  from  the  shore,  and  the  boats  loaded  to 
the  guards  with  people,  whose  shouts  were  answered  back 
with  interest. 

On  the  roof  of  one  of  the  foundries,  in  the  lower  part 
of  the  city,  the  workmen  were  out  with  a flag  of  our  coun- 
try, marching  to  the  “ music  of  the  Union,” — salutes  were 
fired  from  the  wharf  and  from  the  Newport  barracks. 

The  people  turned  out  from  the  city  largely,  and  Weak- 
ened the  boats  and  the  landing,  showing  the  enthused 
state  of  popular  feeling. 

The  boats  swept  grandly  past  the  city  up  to  the  depot, 
where  they  landed. 

Owing  to  the  inconveniently  early  hour  at  which  the 
boats  arrived,  and  the  limited  notice  which  had  been  given 
of  the  programme,  the  crowd  on  the  wharf  was  not  as  great 
as  it  would  have  been  under  other  circumstances.  The 
buildings  in  front  of  the  landing  were  beautifully  decorated 
with  flags.  The  approach  of  the  boats  from  below  was  an- 
nounced by  a gun  from  the  barracks  across  the  river,  and 
then  the  brass  field  pieces  from  this  side,  which  were  effi- 
ciently served  by  a squad  of  the  Independent  Guthrie  Ar- 
tillery, under  the  command  of  Capt.Phil.  Cloon,  joined  in, 
bellowing  “ deep-mouthed  welcome”  to  the  distinguished 


30 


guests  of  Ohio,  The  trio  of  boats,  swarming  with  people — 
the  Bostona  on  the  inside,  the  Silver  Moon  on  the  outside, 
and  the  majestic  Strader  in  the  center — steamed  grace- 
fully up  the  river,  amid  the  thunders  of  the  artillery, 
to  a point  above  Broadway,  where  they  paused  in  the  mid- 
dle of  the  stream,  while  the  Silver  Moon  and  Bostona  de- 
tached themselves  from  the  Strader,  the  latter  continuing 
her  journey  to  the  depot,  greeted  with  hearty  cheers,  which 
were  as  heartily  returned.  At  the  depot  of  the  Little  Mi- 
ami road  the  guests  disembarked,  took  seats  in  the  cars 
of  the  special  train  furnished  by  Superintendent  Durand. 

The  train  of  fifteen  cars  was  well  filled,  and  moved  from 
the  depot  amid  the  acclamations  of  a multitude.  The 
company  embraced  between  six  and  seven  hundred  per- 
sons, including  the  Governor  of  Kentucky,. the  Lieutenant 
Governor  of  Tennessee,  the  Legislatures,  and  a number  of 
the  officers  of  both  States,  a number  of  the  officers  and 
Councilmen  of  Louisville,  a Committee  of  the  Legislature 
of  Ohio,  about  forty  ladies  from  Tennessee  and  Kentucky, 
and  as  many  editors  and  reporters.  The  train  consisted 
of  twelve  cars.  Menter’s  band  accompanied  the  excur- 
sion on  an  engagment  with  the  State. 

As  the  train  passed  through  the  eastern  portion  of  the 
city  it  was  frequently  greeted  with  cheers,  which  served  to 
increase  the  gratification  of  the  guests  at  the  enthusiastic 
reception. 

All  along  the  route,  a lively  interest  in  the  excursion 
was  manifested.  Flags  and  handkerchiefs  were  waved,  and 
the  people  appeared  in  excellent  humor — everything  but 
the  weather  had  a hospitable  appearance. 

There  were  at  some  points  tasteful  decorations.  Among 
those  we  remarked  was  a fine  display  at  Branch  Hill. 

The  ladies  on  the  excursion — and  there  were  in  the 


31 


company  some  of  the  fair  daughters  of  Tennessee  and  Ken- 
tucky— States  renowned  for  beauty  and  for  chivalry — were 
particularly  interested  in  the  announcement  of  the  arrival 
at  Loveland . There  was  something  in  the  name  that  was 
suggestive,  and  all  exercised  their  wit  and  fancy  upon  it. 
A proposition  was  made  to  leave  the  ladies  at  that  place,  as 
appropriate  for  them,  but  they  declined  to  be  separated. 

Colonel  Holmes,  Senator  from  Hamilton  county,  declared 
through  the  cars,  that  all  those  who  bore  tickets  “ Guests 
of  Ohio”  must,  while  they  remained  in  the  State,  exhibit 
them,  and  they  were  currency  that  would  be  a legal  tender 
everywhere,  and  for  all  amounts.  This  announcement  was 
received  with  distinguished  approbation. 

Nothing  of  special  interest  had  occurred  until  the  train 
reached  Loveland.  N.  Longworth,  Esq.,  had  sent  the  Cin- 
cinnati Committee  twelve  boxes  of  his  sparkling  Catawba 
to  cheer  the  guests  on  their  way  to  Columbus.  Shortly 
after  leaving  Loveland  the  bottles  were  opened,  and  the 
corks  began  to  pop.  It  did  cheer  up  the  guests.  Mr. 
Longworth’s  health  was  drank  over  and  over  again,  and  all 
sorts  of  sentiments  uttered,  complimentary  to  Ohio  hospi- 
tality. And  the  Union  was  cemented  over  and  over  again, 
with  the  sparkling  wine  from  the  Ohio  hills.  One  senti- 
ment was  offered  and  passed  through  the  train  with  enthu- 
siasm. It  was  this — 

66  The  Union — Long  worth  preserving.” 

Some  sort  of  demonstration  was  made  at  nearly  every 
town  passed.  The  company  were  free  with  the  return 
cheers.  One  farm-house  on  the  road  side  was  beautifully 
decorated.  The  words  “ Welcome  to  Kentucky  and  Ten- 
nessee,” were  in  large  evergreen  letters  over  the  door. 
Beneath  them,  leaning  on  his  staff,  was  an  old  veteran, 
who  cheerfully  greeted  the  train,  which  passed  slowly  by 


32 


the  house.  The  sight  was  a pretty  one,  and  elicited  hearty 
cheers  from  the  guests. 

Hon.  William  B.  Hubbard,  President  C.  & X.  B.  R Co., 
whose  zeal  had  left  nothing  wanting  to  ensure  the  safe  and 
rapid  transportation  of  the  guests  of  the  State,  accompa- 
nied the  Legislative  Committees  and  Governor’s  Staff  to 
Xenia. 

The  “ Guests  of  Ohio”  having  their  appetites  sharpened 
by  the  ride  and  the  wine,  were  prepared  to  hear,  with  ap- 
proval, that  a collation  was  to  be  served  at  Xenia — and 
there  was  no  little  inquiry  as  to  how  far  it  was  to  Xenia, 
and  what  time  we  would  get  there.  At  Xenia  there  was  a 
fine  military  turn  out,  a salute,  a big  crowd,  great  enthu- 
siasm, and  a good  time  generally. 

The  troops  on  duty  as  escort  were  companies  A.,  B.,  E., 
G.,  F.,  1st  Beg.  Infantry,  0.  Y.  M.  Co.B.  Inf.,  4th  Brig. 
8th  Division;  all  under  command  of  Col.  E.  A.  King , of 
Dayton.  Company  A.,  Light  Art.,  5th  Brig.,  8th  Division. 
Companies  A.,  B.,  D.,  E.,  2d  Beg.  Inf.  0.  V.  M.,  Lient. 
Col.  Mills.  Company  A.,  Light  Art.,  1st  Brig.,  loth  Div. 
Company  A.,  Light  Artillery,  2d  Brig.,  2d  Division.  All 
under  command  of  Major  General  IL  Wilson  and  Brig. 
Gen.  L.  Buttles,  and  in  all  about  four  hundred  troops  ; who 
were  thus  detailed  from  neighboring  counties  under  Special 
Orders,  Nos.  23  and  24,  issued  by  the  Adjutant  General, 
Carrington,  on  the  25th,  and  performed  escort  duty  until 
the  excursion  reached  Cincinnati  on  their  return. 

A lunch  had  been  prepared  at  Xenia,  by  order  of  the 
State.  It  came  very  acceptable.  The  tables  wrere  pro- 
fusely filled.  The  guests  met  there  another  delegation  of 
the  Legislature,  and  a Committee  of  the  City  Council  of 
Columbus. 


33 


Upon  the  guests  filling  the  saloon,  Gen.  Carrington,  in 
behalf  of  the  Governor,  gave  the  following  welcome : 

“ I am  instructed  by  the  Governor  of  the  State,  to  meet 
you  at  this  mid-point,  between  our  commercial  and  political 
capitals,  to  assure  you  how  heartily  he  seconds  the  cordial 
invitation  of  the  General  Assembly  of  our  State  to  our  Cap- 
itol. He  deems  it  a high  honor  and  a peculiar  privilege  that 
it  should  have  fallen  to  his  lot  to  be  the  Representative  of  the 
people  at  this  joyous  and  eventful  period.  It  is  a rare  inter- 
view that  now  draws  nigh,  and  one  that  must  be  necessarily 
rare  in  the  history  of  our  nation,  when  three  sovereign  States 
are  thus  dissolved  in  one  by  so  hearty  and  fraternal  an  em- 
brace. Whether  this  shall  be  the  last,  as  it  is  the  first  occa- 
sion of  the  kind,  the  future  alone  must  unfold;  but  of  one 
thing  he  is  assured,  that  though  we  soon  part  to  see  each 
other’s  faces  no  more,  and  the  unrestrained  interchange  of 
courtesies  now  witnessed  shall  not  return ; yet  the  memory  of 
these  hours,  and  the  ties  that  are  now  so  close  and  endearing, 
will  so  cement  our  great  and  growing  Union,  that  no  force  of 
faction,  no  selfish  ambition,  no  violence  of  parties-,  or  parti- 
zans,  shall  ever  be  able  to  shatter  or  disturb  it.” 

The  lunch  at  Xenia  was  decidedly  satisfactory.  There 
was  a bountiful  supply  of  eatables  and  drinkables,  and  no 
guest  of  the  State  left  that  place  either  hungry  or  thirsty. 
The  guests  were  delighted  with  their  reception,  which  they 
pronounced  hospitality  in  the  large  sense  of  that  word. 

The  turn  out  of  the  populace  at  this  place  was  particu- 
larly pleasing.  The  vicinity  of  the  depot  was  densely 
crowded,  and  a mass  of  some  hundreds,  stood  without 
flinching  in  the  snow  storm  which  was  heavy  and  driven 
by  a strong  wind,  to  listen  to  the  orators  of  Tennessee  and 
Kentucky. 

Other  gentlemen  followed,  and  there  were  responses  by 


34 


Kentuckians  and  Tennesseeans.  The  speeches  were  all 
short,  and  elicited  the  most  enthusiastic  cheering.  Every 
allusion  to  the  Union  was  received  with  extravagant  demon- 
strations. After  the  word  all  aboard  had  been  given,  more 
speeches  were  demanded,  and  there  was  speaking  from  the 
platforms  of  several  cars.  Among  the  speakers  was  Mr. 
Johnson,  of  the  Tennessee  Legislature;  also  Mr.  J.  K. 
Goodloe,  of  the  Kentucky  Legislature,  whose  speech  was 
as  follows  : 

Fellow-  Citizens : Speaking  on  this  occasion  for  Kentucky, 
I thank  you  for  this  manifestation  of  hospitality  and  fraternal 
good  will.  We  are  not  surprised  at  the  magnificent  demonstra- 
tion which  meets  us  here  to-day ; for,  from  the  first  moment  we 
set  our  feet  upon  Ohio  soil,  we  have  witnessed  the  same  out- 
pouring of  the  people,  the  same  unbounded  hospitality  and 
met  with  the  same  generous  and  enthusiastic  reception.  And 
standing  here  in  the  midst  of  this  vast  assemblage,  looking 
upon  all  these  strange  but  kind  and  beaming  faces,  enjoying 
your  cheer  and  glorious  welcome,  we  say  from  the  bottom  of 
our  hearts  that  we  are  glad  we  are  here  to-day,  and  realize  at 
this  moment  “how  sweet  and  pleasant  it  is  for  brethren  to 
dwell  together  in  unity.”  We  do  not  regard  this  occasion, 
nor  the  invitation  which  brought  us  to  your  State  and  takes 
us  to  your  Capitol  to  meet  the  Legislature  of  Ohio,  as  an  ex- 
pression simply  of  personal  good  will  to  us.  No,  no.  We  regard 
them  as  of  far  higher  importance  and  greater  significance  than 
that.  We  regard  and  will  cherish  them  as  an  expression  of 
your  love  and  fidelity  to  your  sister  States  of  Kentucky  and 
Tennessee,  to  the  Union  and  the  Constitution.  And  viewing 
the  matter  in  fhat  light,  we  accept  with  profound  sensibility 
all  that  you  have  offered  us.  I assure  you  in  return  that  our 
hearts  are  also  filled  with  like  generous  emotions  toward  Ohio, 
and  like  devotion  to  the  Union,  the  Constitution  and  the  rights 
of  the  States  under  the  Constitution.  We  have  always  be- 
lieved the  great  State  of  Ohio  to  be  true  and  loyal  to  this 
Union.  We  have  always  believed  in  her  conservatism  and 


35 


integrity.  Since  we  have  witnessed  the  generous  enthusiasm 
of  her  people,  seen  the  outpouring  of  her  masses,  from  the 
aged  sire  to  the  tenderest  scion,  and  heard  the  patriotic  and 
noble  sentiments  uttered  by  those  who  have  met,  received  and 
■welcomed  us  at  various  places,  we  know  that  she  will  stand 
firmly  and  unflinchingly  by  the  Union  and  the  Constitution. 
This  conviction  fills  our  hearts  with  the  liveliest  emotions  of 
happiness  and  dissipates  the  fears  we  may  have  entertained 
for  the  perpetuity  of  the  Union.  And  when  we  return  to  our 
people  and  homes  and  tell  our  fathers  and  mothers  and  friends 
of  all  your  kindness,  sympathy  and  enthusiasm,  of  your  con- 
servative sentiments  and  patriotic  Union  speeches,  they  will 
feel  as  we  do — that  the  prayers  they  have  uttered  for  our 
country  and  the  sacrifices  offered  up  upon  its  common  altar 
for  the  preservation  of  the  Union  and  the  Constitution,  have 
been  answered. 

Let  me  say  here,  that  Ohio,  Indiana,  Kentucky  and  Ten- 
nessee, constitute  the  key  stone  of  this  Union,  and  so  long  as 
they  stand  together  this  Union  can  not  be  dissolved.  These 
great  States  of  the  Mississippi  Valley,  together  with  Illinois, 
form  the  grandest  center  around  which  a mighty  empire  ever 
clustered.  But  I have  not  time  to  pursue  this  thought. 

This  will  ever  be  to  us  a memorable  era.  We  believe  it  is 
the  natal  era  of  a better  state  of  feeling  between  the  North 
and  the  South,  the  slave  and  the  free  States,  than  has  hereto- 
fore apparently  existed.  We  believe  that  this  mingling  and 
fraternal  association  of  three  States  of  this  Union,  will  be 
mighty  for  good  and  most  potent  for  the  suppression  of  any 
ill  feeling,  jealousy  or  distrust  which  may  have  existed  be- 
tween the  two  sections.  I know  we  all  fervently  hope  that 
such  may  be  the  results  of  this  most  interesting  event  in  the 
history  of  this  country.  And  why  should  there  be  any  other 
than  the  best  feeling  existing  between  us?  Are  we  not  the 
same  people?  Are  not  our  interests  vitally  blended?  Have 
we  not  a common  history?  and  are  not  the  memories  of  the 
Revolution,  the  toils  and  dangers  of  frontier  life,  the  conflicts 
by  which  this  Northwestern  territory  was  won  and  defended, 


36 


and  the  wisdom  and  patriotism  by  wdiich  the  whole  have  been 
preserved,  the  common  property  of  all  the  States  of  this 
Union  ? Who,  then,  will  dare  to  throw  a fire  brand  between 
us,  and  destroy  that  which  has  been  so  dearly  and  gloriously 
achieved?  Why  should  not  Ohio  and  Kentucky  love  and 
stand  by  each  other  ? There  are  many  things  (of  which  I can 
not  now’  even  make  mention)  in  the  history  of  each  to  draw 
them  into  very  close  fellowship.  It  is  true  that  a broad  sheet 
of  water  flows  between  us,  hut  instead  of  dividing  it  only 
unites  us  and  forms  a common  highway  for  the  transportation 
and  passage  of  the  products  and  commerce  of  our  fruitful  and 
wealthy  States.  And  that  same  Ohio  river  is  hut  a type  of 
our  nationality  and  oneness.  It  is  made  of  kindred  tributary 
drops  which,  uniting  together,  create  the  great  stream  which 
washes  the  shores  of  Kentucky  for  seven  hundred  and  fifty 
miles.  So  this  empire,  composed  of  different  States  and  kin- 
dred communities,  each  one  independent  in  its  sphere,  meet 
at  last  under  the  Federal  Constitution  and  make  one  great, 
powerful  and  free  Government.  May  the  Sovereign  States 
of  this  Union,  like  the  drops  which  compose  “ The  Beautiful 
River,”  unite  and  flow  on  in  unruffled  and  harmonious  asso.- 
ciation  to  the  accomplishment  of  our  great  destiny. 

I have  only  time,  in  conclusion,  to  say  again  that  we  thank 
you  for  your  hospitality,  and  to  assure  you  that  though  we 
may  never  be  able  to  express  how  deeply  we  have  been  im- 
pressed by  your  kindness  to  us  and  loyalty  to  the  Union,  yet 
we  have  all  safe  in  our  hearts,  where  we  will  cherish  you  and 
yours,  the  Union  and  the  Constitution. 

Just  as  the  train  started,  the  multitude  cried  out  for 
Gov.  Magoffin.  He  came  to  the  car  door  and  said : 

“ People  of  Ohio — I have  a charge  to  prefer,  probably  tire 
first-  I ever  have  preferred,  against,  your  Adjutant  General. 
He  put  me  away  in  a car  with  grave  Senators  and  able  Rep- 
resentatives of  your  beautiful  Commonwealth  -r  and,  because 
I had  a bad  cold,  I thought  I had  better  obey  orders.  But, 


37 


obedient  to  tbe  higher  power  of  the  people,  he  relented  and 
I forgave  him.  Snow,  or  no  snow,  I must  tell  you  how 
grateful  to  my  heart  is  your  welcome.  He  comes  delegated  by 
your  Governor,  and  I thank  him  for  his  sincere  and  hearty 
welcome.  I come,  to  respond  to  the  call  of  the  Sovereigns. 
Worthy  Citizens — I love  Kentucky,  and  I love  Ohio.  I love 
our  glorious  Union,  cemented  by  our  common  blood,  endeared 
by  unnumbered,  precious  memories.  Be  you  faithful,  as  I 
know  you  will,  and  our  common  destiny  will  be  glorious  and 
perpetual.” 

Governor  Magoffin  was  speaking  when  the  train  moved. 
The  cheering  on  and  off  the  cars  was  very  enthusiastic 
when  the  train  left.  The  train  moved  on,  and  at  London 
were  received  by  Light  Artillery  Co.  A,  3d  Brig.,  8th  Div. 
0.  V.  M. 

The  party  was  very  joyous  after  leaving  Xenia,  and  sev- 
eral long  speeches  were  made,  and  cheers  given  for  Ohio 
and  the  Union. 

IT.  B.  Carrington,  Adjutant  General,  passed  through  the 
cars,  and.  in  each  of  them  bid  the  guests,  in  behalf  of  the 
Governor  of  Ohio,  a cordial  welcome.  He  was  received 
with  great  glee  and  good  feeling.  In  some  of  the  cars  his 
words  of  welcome  were  responded  to  in  clever  style.  After 
the  Adjutant  General  came  a Committee  of  the  General 
Assembly,  who  distributed  hotel  badges  and  the  following 

PROGRAMME  OF  THE  RECEPTION  AT  COLUMBUS. 

In  the  reception  of  the  Governors  of  Kentucky,  Tennes- 
see and  Indiana  and  the  General  Assemblies  of  Kentucky 
and  Tennessee,  January  26th,  1860,  the  following  order  will 
bn  observed: 

1.  A Committee  of  the  two  Houses,  accompanied  by  the 
Adjutant  General  and  the  members  of  the  Governor’s  Staff, 


38 


will  take  the  morning  train,  and  meet  the  invited  guest  of  the 
State  at  Xenia. 

2.  The  [Military  will  form  on  High-street,  the  left  resting 
on  State-street,  facing  east,  at  twelve  o’clock,  M. 

3.  The  Joint  Committee  of  Arrangements  will  form  on  the 
walk  leading  west  from  the  State  House,  at  half-past  twelve 
o’clock,  P.  M.,  and  go  to  the  depot  under  the  escort  of  the 
military. 

4.  National  Salute  on  arrival  of  train  conveying  the  guests. 

The  procession  will  then  proceed  to  the  Capitol  in  the  fol- 
lowing order: 

1.  The  Military. 

2.  The  Committee  of  Invitation  and  Escort,  and  Arrange- 
ments. 

3.  Governors  of  Kentucky,  Tennessee  and  Indiana,  in  car- 
riages, accompanied  by  the  Governor’s  Staff. 

4.  Senate  of  Kentucky. 

5.  House  of  Representatives  of  Kentucky. 

6.  Senate  of  Tennessee. 

7.  House  of  Representatives  of  Tennessee. 

8.  The  City  Councils  of  Cincinnati,  Louisville  and  Mem- 
phis. 

9.  On  reaching  the  Hall  of  Representatives,  the  Chairman 
of  Invitation  and  Escort  Committee  will  present  the  guests 
to  the  General  Assembly  of  Ohio. 

10.  The  guests  will  be  received  by  the  Governor  of  Ohio, 
Hon.  Wm.  Dennison,  Jr. 

(Badges  will  be  distributed  by  the  Committee  on  the  cars, 
designating  the  hotels  at  which  the  guests  will  be  quartered. 
These  Badges  will  admit  the  guests  to  all  places  of  a public 
nature,  and  all  entertainments  during  their  visit.  Carriages 
will  be  in  waiting  at  the  hotels,  to  convey  the  guests  of  the 
State  to  the  Public  Institutions,  and  elsewhere,  as  they  may 
select.) 

11.  Levee  at  the  State  House  from  seven  to  a quarter  be- 
fore ten,  P.  M. 


12.  Banquets  at  the  Neil  House,  American  House,  and 
Goodale  House,  at  ten  o’clock. 

13.  The  Committee  on  Invitation  and  Escort,  and  Commit- 
tee of  Arrangements,  with  the  Military,  will  escort  the  guests 
to  the  cars  on  Friday  morning,  when  a salute  of  twenty-one 
guns  will  be  fired. 

Marshals  of  the  Bay — Mr.  Smith,  on  the  part  of  the  Senate, 
and  Messrs.  Woods  and  Carlisle,  on  the  part  of  the  House. 

F.  P.  Cuppy, 

Chairman  Senate  Committee. 

S.  E.  Browne, 

Chairman  House  Committee. 

The  train  reached  Columbus  at  3 P.  M.,  in  the  midst 
of  a snow  storm,  but  were  received  with  hearty  enthusiasm. 
The  people  of  Columbus  assembled  in  great  numbers  at  the 
Depot  and  on  the  streets,  cheering  the  procession  to  the 
portals  of  the  State  House.  The  Committee  of  Escort, 
and  other  officers,  conducted  the  guests  into  the  Hall  of  the 
House  of  Representatives,  where  they  were  received  by  the 
General  Assembly. 

The  Senate  of  Ohio,  with  their  President  and  officers, 
were  organized  in  joint  convention  with  the  House,  and 
the  galleries  were  crowded  with  ladies,  when  the  Sergeant- 
at-Arms  announced  the  committee  of  escort,  who  intro- 
duced the  Legislatures  of  Tennessee  and  Kentucky. 

The  Governor  of  Kentucky  and  Speaker  of  the  Senate 
of  Tennessee  were  received  by  the  Governor,  Lieutenant 
Governor  and  Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives. 
The  members  of  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives 
of  Kentucky  and  Tennessee  mingling  with  those  of  Ohio 
within  the  bar. 

Governor  Dennison  delivered  in  the  most  impressive 
manner  the  following  welcome  : 


40 


Friends  of  Kentucky,  of  Tennessee  and  of  Indiana:  On 
behalf  of  the  people  of  Ohio,  speaking  through  their  General 
Assembly,  I receive  you  at  this,  their  Capitol. 

I greet  you  as  Representatives  of  sovereign  States ; I salute 
you  as  brethren  of  the  great  Valley  of  the  Mississippi,  the 
center  and  the  citadel  of  the  national  confederacy.  I greet 
you  as  fellow-citizens  of  the  Union  so  dear  to  us  all,  the 
source  of  whatever  makes  us  most  proud  of  our  country,  and 
the  preservation  of  which  for  the  equal  and  common  benefit 
of  all  the  States,  is  alike  the  highest  and  most  grateful  duty  of 
the  American  citizen.  By  all  these  honored  titles  you  are 
heartily  welcomed  here  to-day. 

Governor  Magoffin  responded  eloquently  on  the  part  of 
the  State  of  Kentucky.  Addressing  the  Governor  and 
General  Assembly,  he  said  : 

I must  return,  in  behalf  of  the  people  of  my  state  and  of 
the  Legislature  of  Kentucky,  our  grateful  thanks  for  this  most 
cordial  welcome.  We  had  expected  a warm  welcome  from  the 
people  of  Ohio,  but  were  unprepared  for  such  a greeting 
as  we  have  had.  It  has  been  a magnificent  pageant  from  the 
moment  we  set  foot  on  the  landing  at  Cincinnati.  We  were 
received  with' the  roar  of  peaceful  cannon  and  the  shouts  of 
welcoming  hosts. 

We  will  take  home  this  welcome  to  the’people  of  Kentucky. 
We  will  tell  them  of  it,  and  we  will  tell  them  that  all  we  have 
to  do  to  keep  this  Government  together,  is  to  see  each  other 
oftener  and  to  know  each  other  better.  Coming  from  the 
great  Empire  State  of  the  Great  West — -from  this  State,  re- 
nowned for  her  splendid  educational  systems,  and  her  benevo- 
lent institutions — eminent  for  her  vast  achievements,  and  glo- 
rious in  her  successful  enterprise — we  lay  to  our  hearts  the 
welcome  of  her  chivalrous  sons  and  beautiful  daughters,  and 
the  generous  hospitality  with  which  they  greet  us.  Let  me 
return  them  in  behalf  of  the  people  of  Kentucky,  and  in  be- 


41 


half  of  her  Representatives,  our  earnest  and  warmest  thanks 
for  this  your  graceful  welcome. 

Gov.  Magoffin  then  introduced  Col.  Newman,  Speaker 
of  the  Tennessee  Senate,  who  responded  in  behalf  of  Ten- 
nessee. Addressing  Gov.  Dennison,  he  said  : 

I desire  to  thank  you,  sir,  as  the  Executive  of  Ohio,  in  be- 
half of  the  Representatives  and  through  them  of  the  people 
of  Tennessee,  for  your  welcome.  In  the  name  of  the  people 
of  Tennessee,  whom  I represent  on  this  occasion,  I return 
our  hearty  thanks  for  your  hospitalities ; and  to  you,  ladies  of 
Ohio,  Tennessee  returns  her  thanks  for  your  presence  and 
smiles  on  this  day.  We  come  up  among  you  at  your  proud 
Capitol  as  brethren.  We  come  not  to  invade  you  with  hostile 
banners,  but  to  engage  with  you  in  feasts  of  brotherly  love. 
It  is  Kentucky,  Indiana  and  Tennessee  that  meet  Ohio  on  this 
occasion,  and  I tell  you,  fellow-citizens,  that  while  Congress 
can  not  organize,  these  four  sovereign  States  of  the  great 
Mississippi  Yalley  will  assemble  and  greet  each  other  as 
brethren  of  one  country,  bound  together  by  a common  consti- 
tution, each  ready  to  swear  to  support  the  Constitution,  the 
Union  and  the  laws.  We  come  together  for  a common  pur- 
pose. We  come  because  we  can  say,  in  the  Capitol  of  Ohio, 
that  we  are  brethren  of  one  blood!  We  come,  fellow-citizens 
of  Ohio,  to  renew  the  bonds  of  the  Constitution  and  the  Union 
here.  In  olden  time,  when  our  fathers  met  in  Independence 
Hall  to  form  a Constitution,  it  was  with  feelings  that  should 
inspire  us  now.  What  did  they  say  were  their  object  in  form- 
ing that  Constitution?  “ We,  the  people  of  the  United  States, 
in  order  to  form  a more  perfect  union,  establish  justice,  in- 
sure domestic  tranquillity,  provide  for  the  common  defense, 
promote  the  general  welfare  and  secure  the  blessings  of  liber- 
ty to  ourselves  and  our  posterity,  do  ordain  and  establish  this 
Constitution  for  the  United  States  of  America.”  Not  for  one, 
but  for  all  the  States  was  this  Constitution  established ; and 
here  to-day  have  met  the  Representatives  of  the  first  three 
that  entered  the  Union  after  the  old  thirteen. 


42 


To-day,  in  the  name  of  Tennessee,  we  are  willing  to  swear 
to  support  it.  We  are  willing  to  pledge  her  honor,  her  faith 
and  her  arms,,  to  support  that  Constitution  with  all  its  com- 
pacts, compromises  and  guarantees,  with  the  laws  made  under 
it.  We  ask  nothing  more,  we  expect  nothing  less.  I say  for 
the  Representatives  of  Tennessee  and  for  the  people  whom 
we  represent,  that  as  the  Bible  is  to  the  Christian’s  heart,  so  is 
the  Constitution  of  our  beloved  country  to  the  political  heart 
of  Tennessee.  We  return  you,  then,  fellow-citizens  of  Ohio, 
our  warmest  thanks  for  your  most  generous  welcome,  and  be- 
lieve us  we  will  bear  the  remembrance  of  it  in  our  hearts. 

On  motion  of  Senator  Stanley,  this  Joint  Convention  of 
all  the  Legislatures  then  adjourned. 

The  reception  in  the  Hall  of  the  House  of  Representa- 
tives was  responsive  and  heartily  enthusiastic.  Gov.  Den- 
nison acquitted  himself  admirably — “ taking  down  ” our 
Southern  friends  by  his  gallant  bearing,  and  Gov.  Magof- 
fin, of  Kentucky,  and  Lieut.  Gov.  Newman,  of  Tennessee, 
responded  with  a whole-souled  heartiness  and  a power  of 
eloquence,  which  inspired  all  hands  with  mutual  brotherly 
kindness  and  courtesy.  The  people  rushed  up  from  all 
quarters  to  greet  their  guests.  Citizens  of  Columbus  flung 
open  the  doors  of  their  houses  wide.  Banners  and  patri- 
otic mottoes  decorated  the  outer  walls  of  hotels,  business 
houses  and  dwellings.  Ohio  ladies  greeted  their  friends 
from  the  South  with  frank  and  bewitching  grace. 

The  fact  was,  that  our  Ohio  fellow-citizens  “ spread 
themselves  ” like  the  Philistines  in  the  valleys.  Every- 
body was  “dead  set”  on  doing  something  to  save  the 
Union,  and  resolved  to  show  to  “Old  Kentucky”  and  to 
Tennessee,  that  Buckeye  women  and  men  were  in  earnest. 
They  had  but  short  notice  to  prove  their  mettle,  but  they 
did  it  nobly. 


48 


As  soon  as  the  Joint  Convention  of  the  General  Assem- 
bly adjourned,  Gov.  Dennison  took  charge  of  Gov.  Magoffin, 
Lieut.  Governor  Porter  and  Lieut.  Governor  Newman,  and 
opened  to  them  and  others  the  hospitalities  of  the  Guber- 
natorial mansion.  Carriages  were  in  waiting  for  all  the 
guests  who  wished  to  avail  themselves  of  the  short  remnant 
of  the  day  to  visit  the  Public  Institutions  of  the  State, 
and  many  of  them,  escorted  by  the  Legislators  or  officers 
of  the  State,  availed  themselves  of  the  invitation.  But  the 
mass  of  the  Ohio  people,  which  had  jammed  into  the  Hall 
of  the  House  to  hear  Southern  orators,  being  in  a good 
humor,  uproariously  demanded  oratory,  and  speakers  fol- 
lowed each  other  in  quick  succession,  emulating  each  other 
in  devotion  to,  and  admiration  of,  the  Union. 

Col.  J.  W.  Crockett,  of  Kentucky,  led  off,  gallantly 
speaking  of  the  Union  and  the  memories  and  associations 
that  cluster  around  it — so  rich  in  the  past — so  grand  in 
the  present,  and  so  sublime  in  the  prospective. 

Hon.  John  Y.  Brown,  M.  C.  elect  from  Kentucky,  fol- 
lowed Mr.  Crockett : 

He  came  from  a State  proverbial  for  its  chivalry  and  its 
hospitality,  to  join  the  people  of  Ohio  in  the  assurances  of 
love  and  veneration  for  the  Constitution  of  our  common 
country — the  proudest  legacy  of  wisdom  and  the  greatest 
chart  of  liberty.  Kentucky,  Tennessee  and  Ohio  are  for  the 
Union,  first,  last  and  forever.  Its  traditions  and  its  glories 
belong  alike  to  all;  the  bones  of  the  children  of  the  North 
and  of  the  South  whiten  every  battlefield;  and  if  invaded,  the 
the  bones  of  the  people  from  both  sections  would  again  mingle 
on  the  field  of  carnage.  In  the  hearts  of  the  people  there  is 
no  disunion,  and  there  is  no  reason  now  why  we  should  not 
all  stand  by  the  Constitution  and  the  Union — the  symbol  of 
the  past,  the  guarantee  for  the  future. 


44 


Rodney  Mason,  of  Springfield,  Ohio,  was  called  upon  to 
respond,  and  said  : 

Fellow -Citizens: — They  tell  us — these  talking  politicians — 
that  this  Union  is  in  danger.  In  God’s  name,  I would  ask, 
from  what?  Is  it  from  abroad?  Peace  smiles  upon  all  our 
borders.  Besides,  were  this  not  so,  external  pressure  would 
but  conduce  to  closer  intimacy;  not  disintegrate  our  people. 
It  is  at  home  the  danger  is,  they  say.  It  is  you  and  I,  my 
brother,  that  are  to  quarrel  and  to  fight.  How  little  do  they 
know  our  hearts,  and  the  sentiments  that  move  us.  No!  no! 
there  is  but  one  danger  to  our  common  country,  and  that 
is  of  mutual  misconceptions  and  misunderstanding  of  each 
other’s  feelings.  It  is  to  this  end  that  designing  partisans, 
with  you  and  with  us,  most  consistently  labor.  They  da- 
guerreotype, each  the  other,  with  perverted  features.  Act- 
uated by  the  same  motives,  their  own  aggrandizement,  they 
arrive  by  contrary  roads  at  the  same  end.  They  would  make 
us  believe  that  your  favorite  exercise  is  whipping  your 
slaves;  while  to  you  they  represent  that  our  most  favorite 
occupation  is  stealing  them.  While  the  truth  is,  that  the 
men  engaged  in  the  under-ground  railroad  operations  bear 
about  the  same  proportion  to  our  entire  population  that  the 
cruel  and  oppressive  masters  do  to  yours. 

I trust  that  this  visit  may  tend  to  make  us  know  each  other 
better,  and  that  you  may  be  able,  at  least,  to  report  to  your 
people  that  even  our  Republicans  (Black,  you  call  us ; but 
never  mind,  words  are  the  signs  of  ideas , not  of  things ) are 
not  much  worse  than  other  average  specimens  of  the  genus 
homo.  It  need  not  be  disguised  that  there  are  points  of  dif- 
ference in  opinion,  and  it  may  be  of  interests.  It  were 
strange  indeed,  if,  in  a country  so  wide  as  ours,  this  were  not 
so.  But  what  of  this?  Can  we  not  differ  without  dissen- 
tions,  nor  disagree  without  diminution  of  affection? 

Upon  the  question  of  slavery  in  the  Territories,  we  may, 
and  doubtless  do,  differ  widely;  upon  the  matter  of  slavery 
in  Kentucky  and  Tennessee,  not  at  all.  If  you  desire  to  re- 


45 


tain  it,  we  say  nothing,  asking  you  only  to  keep  your  negroes 
there,  for  we  do  n’t  want  them.  This,  I declare  in  all  sin- 
cerity, is  the  honest  sentiment  of  nine  tenths  of  the  people 
of  Ohio,  and  I know  them  well. 

This  Union  in  danger!  ’Tis  but  the  night-mare  dream  of 
feverish  excitement,  or  the  false  representations  of  designing 
politicians,  who,  for  paltry  ambition,  would  shake  the  foun- 
dations of  the  Republic.  Look  at  the  scene  now  presented 
in  the  Hall  of  National  Representatives, — a disorderly  crowd, 
and  not  ashamed  to  show  before  the  world  the  disgraceful 
spectacle  of  an  American  Congress  unable  or  unwilling  to 
effect  their  own  organization.  Take  their  word  for  it,  and 
the  fountains  of  the  great  deep  are  about  to  be  broken  up, 
and  the  desolating  waters  of  a new  deluge  to  sweep  over  the 
land  and  blot  forever  from  the  map  this  proud  Confederacy 
of  States.  And  yet  you,  the  Representatives  of  our  South- 
ern sisters,  do  but  set  your  feet  upon  the  soil  of  Ohio,  and 
its  people,  with  gladsome  shouts,  signify  their  pleasure  at 
your  coming.  Your  progress  to  our  capital  has  been  a pro- 
cession cheered  at  every  station  by  a fraternal  greeting. 
Your  hearts  can  not  but  have  felt,  your  sympathy  acknowl- 
edged, its  sincerity.  Why,  then,  this  mighty  difference? 
There,  are  the  politicians;  but  here,  are  the  people. 

The  people  of  the  States  here  represented  have  a peculiar 
and  inseparable  interest.  The  memory  of  the  past,  its  suf- 
ferings and  its  sacrifices,  has  laid  the  foundation  of  a warm 
affection,  which  an  identity  of  interests  has  consolidated  into 
love.  Men  of  Kentucky  and  Tennessee,  I tell  you  that  it  is 
with  no  ordinary  and  mere  patriotic  feeling  we  greet  your 
advent  here.  The  people  of  Ohio  may  be  less  demonstrative 
in  their  expressions-  than  your  more  ardent  temperament 
renders  you,  but  not  less  sincere ; and  believe  me,  that  Ohio 
has  not,  nor  will  ever,  forget  the  debt  she  owes  to  you.  My 
own  County  of  Clarke  bears  the  name  of  one  of  the  most  dis- 
tinguished of  your  pioneers,  and  in  one  of  the  most  beauti- 
ful of  her  valleys  the  rich  blood  of  your  patriot  sires  was 
outpoured  in  battle.  Mistake  not  the  ultraism  of  our  poli- 


46 


ticians  for  the  ’true  sentiments  of  our  people.  With  us, 
as  with  you,  this  pestilent  crew  are  the  unceasing  cause  of 
trouble. 

And  now,  in  conclusion,  permit  me  to  make  one  sugges- 
tion,— that  we  shall  join  in  one  united  effort,  North  and 
South,  to  stop  the  mouths  of  the  entire  fraternity  of  dema- 
gogues. Then  would  the  rising  cloud  disappear,  and  the 
smiling  sun  shine  forever  upon  our  land.  Then,  hand  in 
hand,  could  we  work  out  the  problem  of  our  nation’s  destiny, 
without  suspicion  of  each  other’s  motives,  and  rivals  only  in 
the  race  of  progress.  Let  each  State  develop,  to  the  utmost, 
its  natural  and  industrial  resources.  This  is  the  only  sensible 
proposition  I heard  coming  from  the  politicians  this  winter. 
Let  us  cultivate  a broad  sentiment  of  patriotism,  instead  of 
the  narrow  and  selfish  feeling  of  mere  State  pride,  and  each 
will  see  in  the  development  of  the  other  a glory  of  which  all 
partake.  In  a contest  such  as  this,  men  of  Kentucky  and 
Tennessee,  Ohio  is  willing  to  join  with  you;  but,  as  the  Lord 
liveth,  in  none  less  holy  will  she  engage. 

Gen.  Geiger,  of  Columbus,  was  next  demanded  : 

He  hid  the  Representatives  of  Tennessee  and  Kentucky 
welcome — thrice  welcome  in  their  invasion.  This  was  not 
the  first  invasion  or  encroachment  the  North  had  suffered 
from  the  South.  Virginia,  when  she  gave  the  great  North- 
west to  freedom,  and  sent  her  children  to  populate  it — in- 
vaded our  Ohio,  and  we  now  live  to  bless  her  for  it.  George 
Washington  invaded  the  North  when  he  took  command  of 
the  Revolutionary  army;  and  now  Kentucky  and  Tennessee 
have  invaded  Ohio  with  the  token  of  good  will.  Again  he 
welcomed  them  in  their  invasion. 

Mr.  Speaker  Whitthorne,  of  the  Tennessee  House  of 
Representatives,  then  addressed  the  people  in  the  same 
eloquent  strain,  with  which  Messrs.  Crockett  and  Brown 


47 


opened,  and  thereupon  this  branch  of  the  festivities  ad- 
journed to  witness  the  scenes  without. 

In  the  evening  the  hotels  and  other  buildings  on  High 
and  other  streets,  fronting  the  Capitol,  were  illuminated. 
The  rotunda  of  the  Capitol  also  glittered  with  hundreds  of 
lights,  the  whole  making  a magnificent  display.  Fire  works 
were  discharged  from  the  State  House  yard,  and  lights  of 
various  colors  burned.  Menter’s  band  played  from  the 
portico  of  the  Neil  House,  and  other  bands  were  stationed 
at  other  points.  The  display  drew  out  the  citizens  en 
masse . High-street  never  presented  so  lively  and  gay  ap- 
pearance as  it  did  during  the  evening. 

The  first  thing  on  the  programme,  in  the  evening,  was  a 
levee  at  the  State  House.  The  whole  building  was  lighted 
up  and  thrown  open.  The  members  of  the  Legislature 
and  the  Governor  and  other  State  officers,  were  in  their 
departments  to  receive  the  guests.  The  latter  were  courte- 
ously received  and  agreeably  entertained. 

The  citizens  of  Columbus,  especially  ladies,  were  there 
in  great  numbers.  In  fact,  the  whole  building  was  filled 
with  a gay  and  happy  throng.  The  utmost  freedom  was 
permitted.  The  Governor’s  room  was  filled  during  the 
hour,  and  he  received  all  visitors  with  that  manner  for 
which  he  is  distinguished. 

The  levee  brought  the  members  of  the  Ohio  Legislature 
in  direct  contact  with  their  guests,  and  seemed  to  put  them 
in  a holiday  humor.  Up  to  this  time  they  had  not  ac- 
cepted the  invitation  of  Cincinnati  to  accompany  the  visit- 
ors, and  become  the  guests  of  that  city.  Many  of  the 
members  were  opposed  to  the  excursion,  and  a vote  on  the 
proposition  had  been  avoided.  Both  Houses  adjourned  in 
the  evening  to  ten  o’clock  next  morning,  three  quarters  of 
an  hour  after  the  guests  were  to  take  their  departure.  But 


48 


the  close  intercourse  of  the  members  with  the  warm-hearted 
Southerners  induced  them  to  change  their  minds.  At  eight 
o’clock  the  next  morning,  both  Houses  met  and  went. 

About  half-past  eight  o’clock  in  the  evening,  a second 
meeting  was  assembled  in  the  Hall  of  the  House  of  Rep- 
resentatives— Governor  Dennison  presided.  The  crowd 
was  dense,  and  full  of  animation. 

Col.  George  B,  Hodge,  of  the  Kentucky  House  of  Rep- 
resentatives, was  called  upon  and  responded  briefly  in  a 
most  beautiful,  eloquent  and  compact  tribute  to  the  Union ; 
every  sentiment  of  which  “ brought  down  the  House  ” in 
enthusiastic  applause.  He  referred  to  the  multitudes  of 
people  he  saw  while  coming  up  the  Ohio  River,  both  on 
the  Kentucky  and  Ohio  shores,  bidding  the  Representatives 
of  the  South  God-speed  on  their  mission  of  fraternity  and 
peace;  and  alluded  to  the  natural  ties  which  bind  the 
Union  inseparably  together,  in  a strain  of  quiet  but  im- 
pressive eloquence  that  at  once  attracted  attention  and 
admiration. 

Senator  Andrews,  of  Kentucky,  then  made  a “ class 
meeting  ” speech,  keeping  the  audience  laughing  with  his 
palpable  and  humorous  hits,  and  pleased  with  his  off  hand 
eloquence. 

Senator  Paine,  of  Tennessee,  who  introduced  himself  as 
representing  the  largest  “ peculiar  ” district  in  Tennessee, 
addressed  the  Convention  of  the  people  of  Tennessee,  Ken- 
tucky and  Ohio,  which  he  described  as  a mingling  of  the 
Hickory,  the  Ash  and  the  Buckeye.  His  speech  was 
agreeably  mixed  with  practical  allusions  and  suggestions 
upon  the  relations  existing  between  the  North  and  the 
South,  humorous  thoughts  and  vigorous  eloquence. 

The  banqueting  hour  having  arrived,  the  audience  dis- 
persed. 


49 


Columbus  has  no  hall  large  enough  to  accommodate  so 
large  a company  at  table,  and  the  Committee  of  Arrange- 
ments hit  upon  a plan  which  overcame  the  inconvenience. 
Three  suppers  were  given,  one  at  the  Neil  House,  another 
at  the  American,  and  a third  at  the  Goodale ; all  in  very 
good  style.  The  guests  were  about  equally  divided  at  them. 
The  company  sat  down  at  each  hotel  at  nine  o’clock. 

At  ten  o’clock  the  suppers  were  ended,  and  all  repaired 
to  the  Odeon  Hall  to  finish  the  banquet.  There  side  ta- 
bles, covered  with  confectionary  and  other  dainties,  were 
spread,  and  there  the  toasts  were  read  and  drank  and  the 
responses  made. 

It  was  eleven  o’clock  before  the  exercises  were  com- 
menced at  the  Odeon.  The  hall  was  crowded  to  excess, 
many  ladies  being  present.  Menter’s  band  furnished  the 
music.  The  toasts  and  the  speeches  were  all  received  with 
enthusiastic  demonstrations. 

Lieut.  Gov.  Kirk  presided,  Mr.  Speaker  Parsons  and 
E.  A.  Parrott,  Esq.,  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  as- 
sisting him. 

The  order  of  toasts  was  as  follows : 

Kentucky — Mother  of  wise  statesmen  and  fair  women ; her 
younger  sisters  delight  to  do  her  honor. 

Gov.  Magoffin,  of  Kentucky,  was  called  upon  to  respond. 
He  came  forwrd  and  said  that  he  regretted  his  indisposi- 
tion to  respond  to  a toast ; but  he  was  wholly  unable.  He 
would,  therefore,  introduce  Senator  Fisk,  who  would  re- 
spond in  his  place.  Senator  Fisk  then  arose  and  said  : 

The  country  had  conceded  that  Kentucky  had  been  for- 
tunate in  her  statesmen,  and  greatly  blessed  by  Providence 
in  her  fair  women;  and,  Mr.  Chairman,  the  mothers  of  Ken- 
tucky take  a just  pride  in  recounting  the  many  proofs  their 


50 


sons  have  given  of  their  wisdom,  their  valor,  and  their  un- 
calculating patriotism ; and,  in  their  name  and  on  their  behalf, 
I thank  you  for  the  high  compliment  your  sentiment  contains. 
I wfill  bear  this  sentiment  home,  and  say  to  them  that  it  was 
sent  by  a great,  powerful,  enlightened,  and  hospitable  people. 
And,  sir,  be  assured  that  the  recollections  of  this  day  will 
ever  be  cherished  by  the  people  of  Kentucky  as  among  the 
happiest  and  brightest  in  her  history. 

The  history  of  Kentucky  is  written,  not  in  the  events  that 
have  transpired  within  her  own  borders  only.  No,  sir,  many 
of  her  most  valiant  deeds  have  been  written  upon  the  bright- 
est pages  of  the  histories  of  her  sister  States.  Kentucky 
valor  knows  but  one  boundary, — that  which  encircles  the 
whole  people.  That  nation  or  people  which  assails  the 
humblest  citizen  or  the  smallest  State,  is  our  enemy.  No 
hostile  foot  has  ever  trod  the  soil  of  Kentucky.  But,  sir, 
Ohio,  though  not  a part  of  our  State,  is  yet  a part  of  our 
country — our  great,  glorious,  and,  we  hope,  ever  to  be  united 
country.  When  savage  and  British  foes  were  upon  you,  Ken- 
tucky rallied  to  your  support.  We  came  with  fighting  men, 
and  fought  and  triumphed  under  your  General — the  brave, 
pure,  and  noble  Harrison.  Sons  of  Kentucky  and  Ohio 
fought  side  by  side — many  side  by  side  fell  upon  the  same 
battlefields,  and  were  buried  in  kindred  graves,  and  there  they 
still  remain.  We  have  come  to-day  to  recount  the  common 
glories  won  upon  the  battlefields  of  a common  country,  by 
fraternal  hands;  and  here  around  their  graves,  in  the  very 
presence  of  the  valiant  dead,  to  say  that  we  are  still  brothers, 
in  blood  and  in  feelings.  Kentucky  has  an  interest  in  com- 
mon with  her  sister  States  here  assembled,  in  the  glories 
which  fell  upon  our  countrymen  at  the  battles  of  Lake  Erie, 
Tippecanoe,  Thames,  Sandusky,  King’s  Mountain,  Buena 
Yista,  and  the  other  great  battles  in  Mexico.  All  over  the 
North-west  the  bones  of  the  soldiers  of  Kentucky  lie  buried 
in  the  midst  of  our  kindred  and  friends. 

Kentucky  can  not  give  up  the  Union.  We  feel  at  home  in 
Ohio,  Tennessee  feels  at  home  in  Ohio.  Kentucky  and  Ten- 


51 


nessee  had  resolved  to  come  and  make  Ohio  a visit.  We  did 
not  know  whether  Ohio  wanted  to  see  us  or  not,  but  we  knew 
we  wanted  to  see  you;  and  when  your  Committee  met  us  at 
Louisville,  we  cordially  accepted  the  invitation.  And  right 
glad  that  we  are  here  to-night  to  accept  the  unbounded  hospi- 
tality of  our  sister,  Ohio. 

Talk  about  a dissolution  of  the  Union!  There  is  no  such 
word  in  the  Kentucky  dictionary.  Neither  Kentucky,  Ten- 
nessee, Ohio,  nor  Indiana,  alone,  can  save  the  Union.  But 
Kentucky,  Tennessee,  Ohio,  and  Indiana,  united,  can,  and 
will  save  the  Union.  We,  sir,  are  the  center,  and  we  have 
but  to  will  it  and  the  whole  Union  shall  revolve  in  harmony 
and  order  around  us,  obedient  to  our  commands.  New  Eng- 
land sometimes  talks  largely  about  taking  this  great  govern- 
ment into  her  hands,  and  carrying  it  on.  Why,  sir,  Ohio  can 
put  a large  portion  of  New  England  into  this  State-house; 
and  Florida  talks  loudly  of  going  out.  Well,  sir,  she  has 
been  a dear  little  State,  and,  as  the  Cincinnati  Commercial 
says,  (that  I suppose  is  good  authority  here),  if  the  General 
Government  should  stop  hunting  Indians  there,  Florida  would 
nearly  go  out  of  existence.  When  Capt.  Ingraham,  in  the  name 
of  the  American  Government,  demanded  Martin  Kostza  of 
the  Austrians,  he  manned  his  guns  on  both  sides,  sailed  in 
between  two  Austrian  brigs,  prepared,  if  his  summons  was 
not  obeyed  in  five  minutes,  to  give  each  of  them  a destruc- 
tive broadside.  So,  sir,  we  stand  in  the  center  of  the  Union,, 
with  wild  fanaticism  raging  on  each  side ; let  us  give  them 
timely  notice  that  if  they  do  not  strike  their  colors  to  the 
Union,  that  each  section  of  fanatics  will  receive  a broadside 
that  will  sink  them  to  rise  no  more. 

We  have  no  hearts  or  arms  for  fraternal  strife;  but,  sir, 
we  have  millions  of  brave  hearts  and  powerful  arms,  ready  to 
preserve  this  whole  Union,  and  to  protect  and  defend  any 
American  citizen,  of  any  section,  from  insult  or  aggression 
from  without. 

Again,  sir,  in  the  name  of  Kentucky’s  Representatives 


UBRARY 

UNIVERSITY  OP  II  Ljnois 


52 


here  assembled,  and  of  our  citizens  at  home,  I thank  you  for 
this  cordial  welcome. 

2.  Tennessee.  The  iron  of  her  mountains,  the  corn  of  her 
valleys,  and  the  cotton  of  her  plains  represent  in  their  union 
of  interests  the  union  of  our  people. 

Lieut.  Gov.  Newman  responded : 

Ladies  of  Ohio,  Kentucky  and  Tennessee — to  you  we  owe 
•our  first  duty;  and,  gentlemen  of  Ohio,  we  greet  you.  We  are 
here  for  a noble  purpose.  I am  here  as  a Tennessee  man,  to 
talk  to  you  as  I would  talk  in  Tennessee.  Kentucky,  Ohio 
and  Tennessee  were  the  first  to  enter  the  confederacy.  Ten- 
nessee is  willing  to  take  the  Constitution  as  it  is,  without 
crossing  a t or  dotting  an  i.  Will  Ohio  do  the  same?  (Cries 
of  yes,  yes  !)  Tennessee  will  follow  your  legions  under  the 
Constitution.  Will  Ohio  and  Kentucky  do  the  same  ? 

3.  Ohio  to  her  Guests : Her  Representatives  in  every  de- 
partment gladly  welcome  to  her  Capital  the  Representatives 
of  our  sister  States. 

Gov.  Denn  son  responded  : 

Fellow-citizens  of  Kentucky , Tennessee  and  Indiana : 

What  words  of  mine  can  add  force  to  the  welcome  Ohio 
has  given  you  in  her  Capital  to-day  ? Our  citizens  who  greeted 
you  this  afternoon,  and  those  who  are  here  to-night,  repre- 
sentatives of  the  people  in  all  parts  of  the  State,  testify  to  a 
general  sentiment  of  rejoicing  in  an  opportunity  of  express- 
ing good  will  to  sister  States  of  the  Mississippi  Valley. 

Gentlemen,  you  can  not  mistake  the  tokens  of  friendly 
spirit  which  met  you  at  every  point  on  your  journey  to  this 
city.  They  meant  what  this  gathering  in  this  hall  means — 
welcome,  thrice  welcome. 

Ohio,  true  to  the  memory  of  her  early  settlers,  knows  no 
traitor  to  the  bond  of  union  under  which  she  is  recognized  as 


53 


a sovereign  State.  Cherishing  gratitude  for  the  valor  with 
which  the  Pioneers  of  the  West  shared  deprivations  and  perils, 
the  people  of  Ohio  strike  hands  with  the  people  of  Indiana 
and  Kentucky  and  Tennessee. 

I know  I speak  for  the  people  who  have  entrusted  me  with 
their  Executive  office,  when  I say  that  by  the  blood  shed  on 
common  fields  of  strife — by  the  spirit  of  a common  literature — 
by  the  obligations  of  reciprocal  trade  and  commerce — by  the 
ties  of  personal  respect  and  regard,  which  this  occasion  pro- 
motes, Kentucky,  Tennessee  and  Indiana  have  firm  assurance 
that  in  all  her  future,  as  in  all  her  past  history,  Ohio  will 
maintain  the  Constitution,  its  compromises  and  its  guarantees, 
and  give  her  strength — her  whole  strength — for  the  Union. 

Believe  me,  gentlemen,  the  people  of  Ohio  ask  no  peculiar 
privileges  under  the  Constitution.  They  cheerfully  recognize 
as  belonging  to  their  brethren  all  the  rights  they  claim  for 
themselves.  The  exclusive  right  of  the  people  of  every  State 
to  establish  and  maintain  undisturbed  their  domestic  institu- 
tions, lies  at  the  foundation  of  the  national  confederacy.  With- 
out its  recognition  there  could  have  been  no  union  of  the 
States.  Without  its  continued  recognition,  as  the  basis  of  all 
national  legislation,  and  for  the  regulation  of  the  intercourse 
between  the  people  of  the  States,  in  theory  and  in  fact,  there 
can  be  no  practical  union  of  the  States.  The  sovereignty  of 
the  States  in  all  matters  not  clearly  delegated  to  the  Federal 
Government  must  be  maintained. 

I thank  you,  gentlemen,  in  the  name  of  all  the  people  of 
Ohio,  for  the  visit  you  have  made  to  our  Capital,  and  can  not 
doubt  this  pleasant  occasion  will  prove  the  harbinger  of  a 
continued  mutual  trust  from  which,  through  us  and  through 
our  successors,  blessings  of  peace  and  prosperity  will  flow  to 
the  Commonwealths  we  represent,  and  to  the  Confederacy, 
which  we  are  not  less  jealous  to  guard  than  proud  to  enjoy 

4.  The  States  of  the  Great  Central  'Valley . In  war  their 
blood  has  been  mingled  in  the  common  defense;  in  peace  their 
blood  flows  in  kindred  veins;  in  war  and  peace,  like  the 


54 


branches  of  their  great  rivers,  they  will  unite  their  interests 
and  sympathies  in  a common  current,  whose  course  shall  en- 
dure forever. 

Mr.  Payne,  of  the  Senate  Tennessee,  spoke  : 

Mr.  Chairman , and  Fellow -citizens  of  Ohio , 

Indiana , Kentucky  and  Tennessee : 

Although  much  exhausted  by  the  fatigue  incident  to 
this  excursion,  I can  not  refuse  to  answer  the  call  that  has 
been  made  upon  me  to-night ; especially  when  I consider  the 
hospitality  that  has  been  extended  to  the  State  of  which  I am 
in  part  a Representative.  I told  the  people  of  Louisville,  that 
it  was  my  peculiar  wish  to  visit  the  Capital  of  the  Buckeye 
State ; that  wish  has  been  gratified,  and  I am  proud  to  stand 
this  night  upon  Ohio  ground,  before  its  sovereign  authority, 
surrounded  by  its  assembled  freemen,  with  the  same  flag  waiv- 
ing over  my  head,  that  greets  the  eyes  and  cheers  the  hearts 
of  American  citizens  throughout  this  great  confederacy  of 
States. 

This  is  indeed  a holy  place,  made  so  by  the  assemblage  of 
State  sovereignties,  animated  by  an  ardent  devotion  to  the 
interests  of  a common  country. 

I,  sir,  am  a southerner,  with  the  warm  impulses  of  a south- 
ern heart.  The  South  has  been  the  home  of  my  ancestors,  as 
I trust  and  believe  it  will  continue  to  be  of  my  most  distant 
posterity. 

I love  the  South  because  of  its  contributions  to  the  demands 
of  civil  and  religious  liberty;  I love  it  because  of  the  great 
and  good  men  it  has  produced,  and  whose  labors  illustrate  and 
adorn  the  history  of  our  country.  But  while  I thus  feel  proud 
of  my  own  section,  I rejoice  that  I can  embrace  this  great 
confederacy  in  the  arms  of  patriotic  affection,  and  that  I 
can  glory  above  all  things  else  in  the  title  of  “ American 
citizen.” 

I am  not  here  to-night  to  raise  a discussion  upon  disputed 
questions.  I will  not  abuse  the  hospitality  of  a friend  by  par- 
taking of  his  good  cheer  and  then  quarrel  with  him  at  his  own 


55 


table.  Points  of  difference  I know  exist  among  us,  but  we 
will  pass  these  by,  hoping  that  the  cultivation  of  good  feeling 
will  lead  to  a final  and  satisfactory  adjustment  of  every  dan- 
gerous question.  Prejudices  exist  between  different  sections, 
which  threaten  the  stability  of  this  once  happy  Union.  I 
would  that  I could  be  permitted  to  dig  the  grave  for  all  such 
dangerous  feelings.  I would  dig  it  as  deep  as  hell,  and  pile 
mountains  upon  it.  Would  that  we  could  see  the  era  of  good 
feelings  restored,  and  that  each  could  rejoice  in  the  happi- 
ness and  the  prosperity  of  the  other.  Many  of  your  people 
of  the  north  wildly  denounce  their  southern  brethren — unjust- 
ly impugn  their  motives,  misrepresent  their  actions,  and  would 
drive  them  to  the  most  dangerous  excesses.  On  the  other 
side,  there  are  those  in  the  South  who,  having  no  faith  in  the 
ultimate  justice  of  the  great  masses  of  the  people,  look  to 
disunion  as  the  only  cure  for  the  evils  of  the  body  politic. 
These  parties  are  arrayed  in  deadly  hostility  against  each 
other.  But  Kentucky  and  Tennessee,  twin  sisters  in  this 
Union  of  States,  will  never  agree  that  such  extremists  shall 
fight  their  battles  across  their  backs.  No,  never. 

I am  free  to  confess  that  I can  not  contemplate  a dissolu- 
tion of  this  Union,  with  any  degree  of  patience ; nor  can  I 
believe  that  the  great  body  of  American  people  will  ever 
sanction  any  course  of  policy  that  would  lead  to  such  a result. 

I,  sir,  have  not  been  able  to  fix  upon  a single  State,  that  I 
would  be  willing  to  give  up ; there  is  not  a star  that  I would 
be  willing  to  see  stricken  from  our  political  galaxy.  I once 
thought  that  we  of  the  South  could  well  spare  Massachusetts 
(for  of  late  years  she  has  acted  a most  villainous  part  in  Fed- 
eral politics) ; but  I recollected,  that  in  common  with  many 
others,  I was  myself  the  owner  of  a valuable  interest  in  that 
old  Commonwealth ; an  estate  that  has  long  been  held  in  my 
family ; to  which  I have  an  undisputed  title,  and  can  not 
afford  to  lose  it.  I claim,  sir,  to  be  a part  owner  of  Bunker 
Hill ! That  sacred  spot  received  the  blood  first  shed  in  the 
cause  of  American  freedom  ; it  is  a holy  place,  to  which  the 
eyes  of  all  can  turn  with  fondness  and  affection.  It  is  an  en- 


5G 


during  monument  to  the  bravery  and  patriotism  of  our  ances- 
tors, and  never  can  I willingly  agree  to  see  it  become  the  ex- 
clusive property  of  a particular  section.  Neither,  sir,  can  I 
agree  to  give  up  Pennsylvania,  for  within  her  limits  yet  stands 
old  Independence  Hall ; where  the  Union  of  States  was  first 
formed,  and  where  the  young  Eagle  of  Liberty  first  plumed 
its  wings  for  its  mid-heaven  flight,  and  gave  forth  its  loudest 
notes  of  exultation. 

But  are  you  of  the  North — while  sacrificing  commerce  and 
trade  with  your  brethern — are  you , also,  willing  to  tear  asun- 
der the  thousand  ties  that  bind  you  to  the  people  of  the  sunny 
South?  Ha veyou  no  interest  in  perpetuating  our  common  his- 
tory ? Would  you  be  willing  to  stand  as  strangers  amidst  the 
shades  of  Mount  Vernon,  or  feel  yourself  an  alien  while 
kneeling  at  the  tomb  of  our  common  Father?  Would  you 
not  feel  humbled,  with  the  passport  of  a foreigner  in  your 
pocket,  while  making  a pilgrimage  to  the  ground  once  trod 
by  the  Hero  Statesman  of  Tennessee ; or  in  visiting  in  Ken- 
tucky, by  permission,  the  last  resting  place  of  the  great  Amer- 
ican Commoner?  Can  you,  can  any  one,  be  willing  to  surren- 
der everything  so  dear  to  American  hearts,  and  which  belong 
to  us  as  a common  family. 

But  how  is  harmony  to  be  restored  amongst  us  ? I answer 
by  following  the  example  and  teachings  of  the  Father  of  his 
Country,  whose  broad,  comprehensive  patriotism  was  not  con- 
fined by  geographical  boundaries,  but  who  recognized  the  in- 
terest of  all  sections ; was  willing  to  render  justice  to  all,  and 
spoke  unkindly  of  none.  Do  you  keep  your  people  back  in 
the  North,  who  declaim  against  the  South,  and  we  will  an- 
swer for  the  loyalty  of  ours. 

It  is  often  boasted  in  the  North  that  you  have  eighteen  mil- 
lions of  people,  and  the  South  only  eight  millions , and,  there- 
fore, numerically  able  to  defeat  us  at  the  ballot-box.  This  is 
all  true,  and  in  that  respect  the  North  may  be  called  “big 
brother”  of  the  family — but  is  it  brave,  generous  or  manly 
in  that  brother  to  be  eternally  treading  on  the  toes  of  the 
smaller  one,  or  to  be  threatening  him  with  a trial  of  his 


57 


strength?  Surely,  he  should  act  in  a spirit  of  kindness,  for- 
bearance, and  generosity,  upon  all  questions  that  concern  the 
welfare  of  both. 

The  charge  has  been  made  that  we  of  the  South  are  in 
favor  of  a congressional  slave  code — and  that  under  it  we 
would  force  slavery  into  the  ice  bound  territories  of  the 
North — where  slave  labor  we  know  would  be  altogether  un- 
profitable. Representing  the  largest  slave-holding  district 
of  Tennessee,  I can  assert  for  my  constituents  that  they 
would  not  give  you  a dime  for  all  the  slave  codes  that  Con- 
gress can  enact  from  this  until  the  day  of  judgment.  Slavery 
if  let  alone  will  most  certainly  be  controlled  by  the  laws  of 
climate  and  production,  and  where  these  are  suited  to  it,  it 
will  flourish  without  any  congressional  aid. 

But,  sir,  if  we  can  not  live  together  in  peace  ; if  this  fabric 
of  American  liberty,  erected  by  the  hands  and  consecrated 
by  the  prayers  of  good  and  great  men,  must  be  destroyed;  if 
this  Union,  around  which  have  clustered  so  many  bright  hopes 
of  the  patriot,  is  to  be  dissolved,  let  us  who  do  the  deed  per- 
form it  peaceably,  and  have  one  last  assembly,  as  a common 
family,  before  the  consummation  of  the  final  act.  Let  the 
Legislatures  of  the  different  States,  accompanied  by  laborers 
with  necessary  implements,  meet  together  in  the  city  of  Wash- 
ington, and  tear  down  the  magnificent  Capitol  which  has  been 
erected  from  a common  treasury;  so  that  like  the  beautiful 
Temple  of  the  Holy  City,  there  shall  not  remain  one  stone 
upon  another  to  tell  where  it  stood.  Let  the  palatial  build- 
ings reared  for  government  offices ; let  the  unfinished  “ shaft 
that  rises  to  the  memory  of  him  who  was  first  in  war,  first  in 
peace,  and  first  in  the  hearts  of  his  countrymen,”  share  the 
same  fate,  so  that  their  moldering  ruins  shall  not  taunt  our 
posterity  with  the  worthlessness  of  their  ancestors. 

But,  sir,  I have  no  fears  for  the  safety  of  the  Union.  I 
am  for  fighting  the  battle  of  the  Constitution,  within  the 
Union  itself.  No  man  has  a right  to  expel  me  from  the  altars 
of  my  country;  he  who  attempts  it,  becomes  himself  a heretic, 
and  a traitor  to  his  country.  I am  for  appealing  from  the 


58 


opinious  of  demagogues  and  fanatics,  to  the  great  masses  of 
the  American  people,  whose  hearts  beat  in  the  right  place, 
and  who  will  not  refuse  to  render  equal  and  exact  justice  to 
all.  Rest  assured,  sir,  that  when  the  hour  of  trial  comes,  the 
good  men  of  all  nations,  will  take  charge  of  this  important 
question,  and  with  their  hands  upon  a Constitution  of  equal 
rights,  they  will  swear  by  the  Great  Eternal,  that  the  “ Union 
shall  be  preserved.” 

But,  sir,  it  is  pleasing  to  reflect,  in  the  midst  of  our  troubles, 
that  the  States  of  the  Confederacy  are  becoming  every  day 
more  closely  locked  in  the  embraces  of  a common  interest.  The 
first  railroads  were  constructed  in  the  extreme  North,  but  the 
energy  and  enterprise  of  the  people  have  gradually  constructed 
a mighty  net  work  that  now  wraps  nearly  every  State  within 
its  folds.  These  great  arteries  of  trade,  commerce  and  travel, 
will  also  become,  as  I trust,  the  efficient  agencies  for  dispel- 
ling sectional  prejudices,  by  bringing  us  into  closer  neighbor- 
hood with  each  other,  where  we  can  appreciate  the  fact  that 
we  are  bretliern , belonging  to  the  same  family,  and  that  we 
have  a common  interest,  a common  country,  and  a common 
destiny. 

Permit  me,  Mr.  Chairman,  in  the  name  of  those  whom  I 
humbly  represent,  to  return  m}r  sincere  thanks  for  the  hospi- 
tality with  which  the  Legislative  authorities  of  my  State  have 
been  greeted  by  the  people  of  Ohio.  Whatever  fate  may 
await  us  in  the  future,  this  visit  to  your  Capital  will  form  one 
of  the  most  pleasing  recollections  of  my  life. 

5.  The  Legislature  of  Kentucky. 

L.  W.  Andrews,  a Senator  from  Kentucky,  being  called 
upon  to  respond  to  the  foregoing  sentiment,  replied  in  sub- 
stance as  follows : 

He  esteemed  it  a very  high  honor  to  be  called  upon  in  such 
an  assemblage,  and  on  such  an  occasion,  to  respond  to  a sen- 
timent so  full  of  compliment  and  of  good  will  to  his  native 


State.  He  regretted  that  in  the  necessarily  brief  space  of 
time  allowed  him  he  could  not  say  all  that  his  own  heart  wTould 
prompt  him  to  utter;  but  he  trusted  that  at  a Union  Festival 
of  four  great  central  States,  it  would  be  an  announcement,  as 
agreeable  as  it  was  true , that  in  the  Legislative  History  of 
Kentucky,  extending  as  it  does  over  a period  of  more  than 
sixty  years,  there  is  not  to  be  found  one  single  enactment 
looking  to  a secession,  or  in  any  way  contemplating  a disso- 
lution of  the  Union  of  these  States.  She  has  invited  no  con- 
ventions for  any  such  purpose,  and  will  attend  none.  No, 
gentlemen,  such  thoughts  have  never  been  cherished  by  the 
people  of  Kentucky,  nor  will  she  allow  her  Representatives, 
for  a day,  to  so  falsify  her  patriotic  devotion  to  the  only  form  of 
Government  calculated  to  secure  civil  and  religious  liberty. 
No,  Mr.  President,  Kentucky  claims  no  rights  out  of  the 
Union.  Her  rights  are  with  the  hearts  of  her  people — all  in  and 
for  the  Union,  and  allow*  me  to  assure  the  Representatives  of 
Ohio,  Tennessee  and  Indiana,  that  though  the  political  power 
of  parties  in  Kentucky  may  change  (as  it  has  done  recently),  no 
change  of  parties  there  implies  any  change  in  devotion  to 
the  Union.  The  influence  of  the  national  Constitution  kept 
her  true  and  when,  without  it,  wild  chaos  and  civil  war  vrould 
have  desolated  that  good  land.  I feel  satisfied,  sir,  that  al- 
though the  administration  of  our  State  affairs  has  lately 
passed  into  new  hands,  still  Kentucky  will  be  now  as  hereto- 
fore faithful  and  true  to  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States, 
its  compromises  and  compacts,  and  the  fulfillments  in  good 
faith  of  all  laws  rightfully  enacted  under  it.  With  this  she  has 
ever  been  content.  More  she  does  not  demand,  and  we  trust 
that  less  will  never  be  tendered  to  her  Union-loving  people. 

And,  Mr.  President,  while  Kentucky  was  the  first  daughter 
of  the  Federal  Union,  in  this  vast  valley,  she  will  be  the  last 
to  disturb  its  peace  with  unjust  complaints.  Let  us  not  mar 
our  brotherly  love  and  kindred  interests  by  idle  yet  angry 
discussions  of  questions  about  the  moral  property  of  which 
we  may  not  agree,  but  rather  let  us  talk  about  the  thousand 
other  questions  upon  which  we  can  agree,  and  in  which  we 


GO 


all  glory.  We  are  glad  that  we  are  here  this  day  face  to  face. 
We  look  into  each  others’  countenances,  and  we  see  there  no 
angry  passions.  We  look  like  brothers.  We  are  brothers. 
The  sentiments  we  have  heard  uttered  this  night  by  Ohio 
people,  legislators  and  politicians,  are  the  same  that  we  have 
ever  held ; all  breathing  fidelity  to  the  Constitution,  and  love 
to  the  American  Union.  Let  us  continue  to  think  in  this 
way,  it  will  not  be  long  till  the  miserable  pack  who  cry  out  for 
disunion,  will  find  themselves  in  a most  lame  and  impotent 
condition — subject  to  the  jeers  and  scoffs  of  the  wise  and 
good  of  all  mankind. 

6.  The  Legislature  of  Tennessee. 

Mr.  Speaker  Whitthorne,  of  Tennessee,  was  called  on  to 
respond  to  this  sentiment.  He  made  a speech,  devoted 
to  the  Constitution  and  the  Union ; and  closed  by  thank- 
ing Ohio,  in  the  name  of  Tennessee,  for  the  glorious  recep- 
tion of  to-day. 

7.  u Our  Federal  Union — It  must  be  preserved.” 
Ex-Governor  Chase  responded : 

Mr.  President , and  Fellow  Citizens : 

Not  far  from  the  city  of  Nashville,  on  the  southern  shore 
of  the  Cumberland,  amid  the  pleasant  scenes  of  the  Hermit- 
age, rises  the  modest  monument  which  marks  the  final  rest- 
ing place  of  Andrew  Jackson. 

There,  after  noble  service  to  his  country  in  war  and  peace, 
the  patriot  hero  sleeps : but  his  lessons  to  his  countrymen, 
whether  expressed  in  deeds  or  words,  still  live  on  the  printed 
page  and  in  their  hearts. 

Among  these  lessons  none  ever  met  a heartier  response 
from  the  whole  American  people  than  the  simple  declaration 
■which  has  just  been  repeated:  u Our  Federal  Union:  It  must 
be  preserved.”  Far  distant  be  the  day  when  it  shall  meet  a 
response  less  decided  or  less  unanimous. 


61 


The  sentiment  itself,  indeed,  was  but  an  echo  to  the  utter- 
ances of  all  patriotic  hearts  from  the  very  beginning  of  the 
struggle  for  Independence.  The  primal  necessity  of  the 
Revolution  was  Union.  Without  it,  the  Revolution  itself, 
though,  in  name,  a success,  would  have  been,  in  truth,  a dis- 
astrous failure.  It  was  first  and  last  among  the  aspirations 
of  Washington  and  his  great  compatriots;  and  the  most 
impressive  among  the  final  admonitions  of  the  Father  of  his 
Country  are  those  which  inculcate  its  priceless  worth,  and 
exhort  his  countrymen  to  its  perpetual  maintenance. 

It  was  fit  that  the  first  President  from  the  new  States  should 
emphatically  reaffirm  the  judgment  and  purpose  of  the  first 
President  from  the  old. 

It  is  fit,  also,  when  the  Representatives  of  the  three  States 
first  organized  in  this  great  Central  Valley,  are  gathered  to- 
gether as  now,  that  this  sentiment  should  be  again  affirmed 
with  emphasis  and  decision.  As  the  rivers  of  these  States 
flow  into  one  Ohio,  bearing  upon  its  bosom  their  common  in- 
terests of  commerce,  so  should  the  affections  of  the  dwellers 
upon  their  shores  flow  together  in  one  vast  current  of  devo- 
tion to  the  Union,  laden  with  the  precious  freight  of  all  their 
destinies. 

But,  Mr.  President,  I must  not  enter  on  this  large  theme  ; 
the  time  does  not  permit,  nor  is  it  needful.  The  number  of 
those  who,  either  at  the  South  or  at  the  North,  really  believe 
that  the  time  for  the  dissolution  of  this  Union  has  already 
come,  is  too  small  to  excite  alarm.  And  if  there  be  others, 
who  suppose,  that,  in  some  future  contingency,  the  destruc- 
tion of  the  noblest  political  fabric  ever  reared  by  man  may 
become  desirable,  we  may  safely  trust  the  logic  of  events  for 
the  demonstration  of  their  error. 

For  Ohio,  at  least,  I may  confidently  speak.  She  has  ever 
been,  and  will  ever  remain  loyal  to  the  Union  and  the  Con- 
stitution. While  yet  in  my  earliest  manhood  I put  on  record 
my  conviction,  “tiiat  in  all  future,  as  in  all  past  circumstances, 
Ohio  will  cleave  fast  to  the  National  Constitution  and  the 
National  Union,  and  that  her  growing  energies  will,  on  no 


62 


occasion,  be  more  willingly  or  powerfully  put  forth  than  in  the 
support  and  maintenance  of  both  in  unimpaired  vigor  and 
strength.”  That  conviction  remains  unchanged. 

Nor  do  I doubt,  Mr.  President,  that  the  spirit  and  purpose 
of  Ohio  is  the  spirit  and  purpose  of  all  the  States  whose 
worthy  and  honored  Representatives  we  so  gladly  greet 
here  to  night. 

We  will  not  surrender  the  proud  title  of  American  citizens. 
We  will  not  renounce  our  portion  in  the  glories  of  the  Impe- 
rial Republic.  We  will  not  madly  fling  away  the  most  blessed 
boon  of  free  institutions  ever  vouchsafed  by  Heaven  to  man. 
We  will  not  prepare  for  our  children,  instead  of  the  noble 
heritage  of  freedom,  prosperity  and  peace  which  our  fathers 
transmitted  to  us,  a detestable  inheritance  of  despotism, 
calamity  and  civil  war. 

No,  no,  a thousand  times,  no.  We  will  compose  whatever 
differences  have  arisen  or  may  arise,  in  the  spirit  of  our 
Fathers.  Claiming,  mutually,  nothing  that  we  think  wrong, 
we  will  concede,  mutually,  whatever  we  find  to  be  just.  Cher- 
ishing, above  all,  with  the  constant  ardor  of  Washington,  “ a 
cordial  and  immovable  attachment”  to  the  Federal  Union,  we 
will  resolve,  with  the  inflexible  determination  of  Jackson, 
that,  “IT  MUST  BE  PRESERVED.” 

8.  The  States:  The  maintenance  of  the  rights  of  each,  is 
essential  to  the  common  welfare  of  all. 

Judge  Key  of  the  Ohio  Senate,  responded : 

The  sentiment  just  read  is  the  sentiment  of  the  people  of 
Ohio — their  love  for  the  Constitution  is  strong,  and  their  de- 
termination to  defend  it  against  all  attacks  is  fixed.  They 
will  maintain  and  they  will  concede,  in  the  spirit  of  justice 
and  of  comity,  every  constitutional  right. 

Tennessee,  Kentucky  and  Ohio — what  power  and  influence 
those  united  names  express — power  and  influence  sufficient 
to  secure  the  tranquillity  of  the  whole  country. 


63 


Kentuckians — representatives  from  the  soil  where  I was 
born  and  bred;  as  a citizen  of  Ohio,  I can  truly  say  to  you, 
that  she  is  attached  to  you  by  every  bond  of  human  interest, 
and  by  every  tie  of  human  sympathy.  Her  people  have  not 
forgotten,  that  in  their  early  history,  the  bones  of  Kentucky 
soldiers  whitened  every  war-path  in  the  State. 

Gentlemen  of  Tennessee — The  heart  of  Ohio  beats  strongly 
and  warmly  toward  your  magnificent  State.  Its  vast  domain 
lies  between  the  two  great  interests  of  this  land — the  farm- 
ing and  the  planting  regions,  and  it  combines  the  advantages 
of  both.  Its  fertile  soil,  happy  climate,  and  fortunate  lati- 
tude, favor  alike  the  culture  of  the  corn-plant  the  cotton- 
plant  and  the  vine.  Its  mineral  deposits  are  as  superior  in 
character  6s  they  are  great  in  extent.  It  possesses  all  the 
means  of  self-support  and  self-defense.  Its  limits  border 
upon  eight  great  States,  and  it  is  itself,  at  this  time,  the  most 
vital  spot  in  our  whole  confederacy.  Ohio  fully  recognizes 
that  the  political  history  and  present  political  condition  of 
Tennessee  show  that  her  councils  have  never  been  controlled 
by  selfishness  or  faction ; that  they  have  always  exhibited 
regard  for  the  rights  and  interests  of  the  whole  country — 
and  also  that  they  have  shown  that  lofty  spirit  of  independ- 
ence wdiich  her  varied  scenery  of  plain  and  mountain  is  so 
wrell  fitted  to  inspire.  Ohio  honors  the  glorious  dead  of  Ten- 
nessee; she  rejoices  in  her  glorious  present ; she  expects  to 
enjoy  with  her  a glorious  common  future.  We  feel  that  our 
love  and  faith  in  you,  like  your  own  stately  and  beautiful 
capitol,  is  founded  upon  a rock. 

9.  The  State  of  Indiana : We  need  only  her  Executive  and 
Legislature  to  make  up  the  glorious  quartette  of  State  Rep- 
resentatives this  day  so  happily  assembled.  We  know  she 
sympathizes  with  us  in  all  the  sentiments  of  patriotism  and 
love  of  Union  which  so  deeply  pervades  our  own  hearts. 

The  Hon.  Gordon  Tanner  was  called  upon  to  respond  to 


64 


this  toast,  but  introduced  Col.  Maxwell,  Mayor  of  Indi- 
apolis,  who  said  that : 

He  felt  embarrassed  to  find  himself  in  the  presence  of 
General  Assemblies  and  Governors.  He  did  not  expect  to 
make  a speech  and  he  was  no  orator,  but  whenever  he  heard 
the  Hoosier  State  mentioned  he  was  always  ready  to  speak 
for  her.  He  was  born  in  the  good  old  State  of  Kentucky, 
and  he  cherished  a filial  feeling  toward  that  noble  State.  He 
pledged  Indiana  that  she  would  unite  with  Ohio,  Tennessee 
and  Kentucky  in  support  of  the  Constitution  and  the  Union. 

10.  The  Memory  of  the  Kentucky  Defenders  of  the  Soil 
and  Homes  of  Ohio, 

Col.  J.  W.  Crockett,  of  Kentucky,  arose  and  spoke  in 
response : 

Mr.  President , Ladies  and  Gentlemen  of 

Ohio , Tennessee  and  Kentucky: 

Thrice  have  allusions  been  made  by  preceding  speakers, 
in  eloquent  and  burning  language,  to  the  noble  sons  of  Ken- 
tucky whose  blood  once  crimsoned  Ohio’s  soil.  What  more 
can  I say  than  hath  already  been  said  ? Shall  I point  you  to 
their  bones  now  bleaching  upon'  your  fertile  plains  ? Look 
upon  those  bones  as  they  are  bleaching  upon  your  native 
soil,  and  unless  your  souls  be  destitute  of  every  honorable, 
generous  and  patriotic  emotion,  you  must  feel  more  in  eulogy 
of  those  gallant  sons  of  Kentucky,  who  shed  their  blood  in 
vindication  of  Ohio’s  soil  and  honor,  than  words  of  mine  can 
express.  Permit  the  association  of  ideas  to  carry  your 
minds  back  to  the  time  when  Kentuckians  were  called  upon 
to  rescue  the  then  Territory  of  Ohio  from  the  desolation  of 
savage  hordes  ? You  were  then  weak  and  we  were  strong. 
An  universal  wail  from  Ohio  reached  the  ears  of  Kentuck- 
ians, imploring  them  for  assistance  to  save  you , your  wives  and 
your  children  from  all  the  horrors  of  savage  warfare.  When 


your  cry  for  assistance  was  heard  in  Kentucky,  her  gallant 
sons  from  every  mountain-top  and  from  every  valley  rushed 
to  your  rescue,  and  shed  their  blood  in  your  defense  as  freely 
as  they  would  have  done  in  defense,  of  their  own  hearth- 
stones. Why  was  this?  Our  forefathers  knew  no  North, 
South,  East  or  West.  We  were  then  one  common  brother- 
hood. Why  shall  we  not  still  be  so  ? The  same  diversities 
of  climate  and  soil  and  geographical  divisions  then  existed 
as  now  exist.  Patriotism,  alone,  actuated  these  noble  men  in 
risking  their  lives  in  your  defense. 

My  countrymen,  we  have  fallen  upon  evil  times.  There 
is  no  disguising  the  fact  that  the  Union  of  these  States,  com- 
prising the  greatest  confederated  nation  on  earth,  is  en- 
dangered. I am  no  alarmist ; and  yet  I am  fully  persuaded 
that  danger  alike  is  to  be  found  in  false  security  and  credu- 
lous apprehension.  The  most  casual  observer  of  the  signs 
of  the  times  must  see  the  dark  cloud  of  Treason,  against  the 
Union,  arising  in  the  extreme  South  and  North.  It  behooves 
the  great  West  to  speak  in  thunder  tones  of  indignation,  re- 
buking all  extremists  and  factionists.  Why  should  not  the 
great  West  he  heard?  She  is  the  center  of  the  Union  geo- 
graphically ; she  is  the  great  heart  of  the  Union,  whose  life- 
blood courses  through  every  extremity ; she  is  the  embodi- 
ment of  conservatism ; and  in  conservatism,  alone,  is  the 
salvation  of  the  nation  to  be  found. 

Fellow-citizens,  I have  said  that  the  Union  of  these  States  is> 
imperiled.  It  becomes  us,  as  practical  statesmen,  to  inquire' 
what  is  the  cause?  Every  practical  man  will  at  once  say  that 
it  is  the  agitation  of  the  slavery  question.  The  time  and  the 
occasion  alike  forbid  me  to  say  who  or  what  party  are  respon- 
sible for  this  agitation.  The  fact,  however,  is  patent  to'  all,, 
that  it  is  this,  and  this  alone  that  threatens  a dissolution  of 
the  Union.  W e have  heard  to-night  the  voices  of  Tennes- 
see, Ohio  and  Kentucky,  each  declaring  that  they  are  for  the 
preservation  of  the  Union,  and  a strict  adherence  to  the  Con- 
stitution of  the  United  States  with  all  of  its  compromises 
and  compacts.  So  far  so  good.  But  there  is  a great  prae- 


G6 


tical  question  behind  all  these  patriotic  declarations  that  can 
not  be  ignored,  and  that  is  simply  this : If  we  should  differ 
as  to  what  are  the  compromises  and  compacts  of  the  Consti- 
tution, who  is  to  decide  the  question  of  difference  between 
us  ? I maintain  that  we  are  the  only  people  upon  earth  who 
live  under  a written  Constitution,  and  that  Constitution  is  the 
paramount  law  of  the  land.  The  Constitution  has  its  own 
interpreter — that  interpreter  is  the  Supreme  Court  of  the 
United  States.  When  different  sections  of  the  Union  differ 
as  to  their  respective  rights  under  the  Constitution,  the  Su- 
preme Court  of  the  United  States  alone  can  decide,  and  when 
their  decision  is  once  given  every  loyal  citizen  must  submit. 
Unless  I be  right  in  these  views,  our  government  is  a rop  eof 
sand  and  not  worth  preserving.  If  we  should  differ  as  to 
what  has  been  adjudicated  by  the  Supreme  Court,  my  advice 
would  be  to  wait  patiently  until  a case  does  arise  in  which 
the  Court  will  decide  all  questions  of  difference  so  explicitly 
that  there  can  be  no  two  opinions  in  regard  to  it. 

Fellow-citizens,  there  must,  of  necessity,  be  in  all  consti- 
tutional governments  a final  arbiter  of  all  disputes.  He  who 
stands  out  in  opposition  to  the  opinion  of  that  final  arbiter  is 
in  rebellion  against  the  government.  I mean  what  I say , 
nothing  more  nor  less . 

It  may  be  said  the  great  practical  question  that  I have 
suggested  remains  yet  unanswered.  In  response,  I say  it  is  pe- 
culiarly a question  for  the  Judiciary  (and  not  for  politicians), 
and  when  the  Judiciary  once  speak,  politicians,  as  well  as  the 
great  mass  of  the  people  must,  of  necessity,  submit.  Upon 
these  great  principles  the  Union  can  and  will  be  preserved, 
not  otherwise. 

It  has  been  intimated  here  to-night  that  the  South  is  weaker 
than  the  North,  and  inferentially  that  she  is  afraid  of  the 
North.  For  Kentucky  I think  I have  the  right  to  speak. 
She  is  the  land  of  my  nativity,  and  in  her  bosom  sleep  the  re- 
mains of  my  ancestry,  and  for  her  I think  I may  safely  say 
she  fears  nothing  but  dishonor.  Kentucky  is  fixed  and  un- 
alterable in  her  devotion  to  the  Union.;  she  is  equally  fixed 


67 


and  unalterable  in  her  devotion  to  the  Constitution  of  the 
United  States.  She  well  knows  that  the  Declaration  of 
Independence  declared  us  free  and  independent ; that  the 
Constitution  made  us  so,  and  that  without  a strict  adherence 
to  all  of  the  compromises  and  compacts  of  the  latter,  how- 
ever free  and  independent  nominally,  she  can  never  be  free 
and  independent  in  fact  and  in  truth.  She  exacts  nothing 
from  her  sister  States  except  what  the  Constitution  gives  her; 
she  will  yield  nothing  more.  If  the  struggle  must  come 
(which  God  forbid)  she  will  be  found  battling  for  the  Consti- 
tution and  the  right  until  the  last ; and  if  conquered,  and  her 
sovereignty  entombed,  the  Constitution  will  be  her  winding 
sheet. 

But  why  indulge  in  these  evil  forebodings  ? I can  not,  I 
will  not  believe  the  ties  that  now  bind  us  together  in  one 
brotherhood  will  be  severed.  We  are  of  a common  ancestry  ; 
we  speak  a common  language ; the  best  blood  of  Kentucky 
and  of  the  South  now  flows  through  the  veins  of  the  people  of 
the  North  ; we  are  united  in  interest,  in  affinity  and  in  des- 
tiny, and  must  survive  or  perish  together. 

Our  forefathers  formed  this  government  as  it  now  exists. 
They  did  not  dream  the  work  of  their  creation  contained 
within  itself  the  seeds  of  its  own  dissolution.  The  domestic 
institutions  of  the  States  were  then  what  they  are  to-day ; 
they  dreamed  not  of  an  a irrepressible  conflict”  of  one  sec- 
tion of  the  Union  against  the  other.  Shall  we  say  they  were 
unwise  and  unpatriotic  ? Shall  we,  the  degenerate  sons  of 
“ noble  sires,”  destroy  the  noble  edifice  reared  by  them  ? 
Let  us  imitate  their  patriotic  example  ; leave  each  sovereignty 
to  control  its  own  internal  affairs ; cultivate  peace  and  good 
will  and  fraternal  feelings  among  each  other,  and  all  will  be 
well.  The  Union ! who  would  dissolve  it  ? How  rich  in  its 
associations  of  the  past ! how  grand  in  its  present ! how 
sublime  in  its  future ! None  but  demons  would  destroy  it. 

The  Constitution  is  the  great  u Magna  Charta”  of  the 
Union  as  well  as  our  liberties  ; by  a strict  adherence  to  which 
the  Union  as  well  as  ouy  personal  liberty  will*  be  secured. 


68 


May  God,  in  his  merciful  providence,  rebuke  fanaticism  and 
stay  its  inroads  North  and  South,  and  preserve  the  Union 
until  time  shall  be  no  more ! 

11.  Washington.  The  noblest  patriot  on  the  canvas  of  time. 
\ 

ITon.  Columbus  Delano,  of  Ohio,  being  called  upon  to 
respond,  said: 

Mr.  President  and  Felloiv-  citizens : 

On  the  banks  of  the  Potomac,  not  far  from  the  city  of 
Washington,  in  a quiet  and  secluded  spot,  near  an  eminence 
overlooking  one  of  the  most  beautiful  rivers  with  which  Provi- 
dence has  adorned  the  earth,  rest  the  ashes  of  the  Father  of 
his  country — the  immortal  Washington.  Truly  his  is  the  no- 
blest portrait  on  the  canvas  of  time.  So  many  recollections, 
full  of  wisdom  and  instruction,  cluster  around  his  name,  that 
it  is  difficult,  in  the  brief  time  allotted  me  on  this  occasion,  to 
determine  which  may  be  referred  to  with  the  greatest  profit 
and  instruction.  He  wTas  at  once  the  Moses  and  the  Aaron, 
who  conducted  the  colonies  through  that  sea  of  blood  and  fire 
which  terminated  in  independence : and  then  laying  aside  all 
ambition,  and  rejecting  all  the  honors  freely  proffered  by  a 
confiding  and  affectionate  people  to  a military  chieftain,  he 
laid  the  foundation,  by  his  pure  patriotism,  for  this  free  Re- 
public, with  her  glorious  Constitution,  and  with  her  still  more 
glorious  hopes.  Among  the  richest  legacies  of  wisdom  which 
this  great  man  bequeathed  to  posterity,  is  that  last  will  and 
testament  to  the  American  people — his  Farewell  Address. 
And  if  I were,  on  this  occasion,  to  select  the  richest  jewel 
which  is  to  be  found  in  the  cluster  of  noble  sentiments  and 
wise  admonitions,  contained  in  this  Address,  I should  say  it 
is  that  warning  to  posterity  to  frown  with  indignation  upon 
every  attempt  made  to  alienate  one  section  of  the  confederacy 
from  the  other.  This  seems  a fit  occasion  to  call  to  mind  that 
admonition.  And  will  not  the  chosen  Representatives  of  Ken- 
tucky, Tennessee  and  Ohio,  here  present,  renew  the  oath  of 


69 


fealty  to  the  sentiment  contained  in  this  wise  admonition,  and 
resolve  anew  to  support  and  maintain  it?  How  can  this  best 
he  done?  May  I not  here  venture  some  practical  advice  on 
this  important  topic,  without  danger  of  giving  offense  to  the 
views  of  any  ? I subscribe  to  the  sentiments  already  expressed 
here  this  evening,  that  this  Union  must  and  shall  be  preserved. 
But  how?  Shall  it  be  by  force  ? — by  coercion?  I answer,  no. 
There  can  be  no  American  Union  held  in  tact  by  the  power 
of  the  sword.  The  first  drop  of  blood  shed  to  coerce  a Union 
will  be  its  overthrow  and  its  dissolution.  The  American  Union 
must  be  based  upon  fraternity ; its  cohesive  power  must  be 
mutual  love,  affection,  good  will  and  kindness  ; and  these  sen- 
timents must  be  cherished  in  every  section  of  the  Union,  by 
a strict  regard  and  adherence  to  our  common  Constitution,  in 
all  its  provisions,  compacts  and  compromises.  How  shall  we 
best  secure  a fulfillment  by  each  member  of  the  Confederacy 
of  this  great  duty?  I regard  this  occasion  as  auspicious  of 
great  results  for  the  security  of  our  Union.  There  is  a moral 
power  in  this  assemblage.  The  social  and  official  interchanges 
of  civilities  and  hospitalities,  by  the  three  great  States  of  Ten- 
nessee, Kentucky  and  Ohio,  manifest  a fraternity  of  feeling 
which,  if  preserved,  will  secure  the  perpetuity  of  our  institu- 
tions. But,  if  the  Representatives  of  the  before  mentioned 
States  will  permit  me,  I will  venture  another  word  of  practi- 
cal advice.  Be  not  content  with  mere  words  of  devotion  to 
the  Union.  Manifest  your  regard  for  the  great  principles  of 
the  Constitution  by  deeds — by  acts  of  friendship.  Let  all 
measures  of  offense  and  retaliation  be  rejected  and  condemned 
by  every  suitable  act  of  legislation,  and  by  your  regard  for 
the  Constitution  in  all  its  parts,  and  your  respect  for  the 
rights  of  each  other  as  independent  sovereignties. 

To  guide  you  in  the  discharge  of  these  great  duties,  you  have 
the  light  shed  upon  you  by  the  illustrious  wisdom  reflected 
by  that  great  man  whose  name  heads  this  sentiment  to  which 
I am  responding ; and  others  who,  if  not  equally  distinguished, 
have  a fame  and  a name  high  on  the  pedestal  of  our  country’s 
glory.  And  this  leads  me,  Kentuckians,  to  say  that  I have 


70 


an  interest  in  your  State  which  you  have  no  right  to  take  from 
me.  Ohio  is  one  of  the  inheritors  of  the  glory  and  the  fame 
of  that  great  man,  whose  remains  rest  in  the  soil  of  Kentucky. 
We  have  a common  right  with  you  to  visit  the  sepulcher  of 
that  illustrious  and  good  man,  Henry  Clay,  and  there  by  the 
influence  of  the  memory  of  his  deeds,  to  kindle  anew  the  fire 
of  patriotism,  which  shall  lead  us  on  as  American  citizens,  to 
the  performance  of  every  duty  and  the  fulfillment  of  every 
obligation. 

And  you,  Tennesseeans,  have  no  right  to  the  exclusive  pro- 
prietorship of  the  fame  of  the  hero  of  New  Orleans.  His 
great  deeds  were  put  forth  in  defense  of  our  common  country; 
and  we  of  Ohio  are  joint  heirs  with  you  in  his  great  name? 
and  claim  the  right  to  enjoy  this  estate  with  you  in  perpetuity. 
Shall  the  day  ever  come  when  our  joint  ownership  in  these  in- 
heritances will  be  severed?  when  their  memories  shall  cease  to 
be  the  common  property  of  these  United  States  ? I pray  God 
that  my  eyes  may  never  behold  the  day  when  the  flag  of  the 
Union  shall  have  ceased  to  wave  over  the  tomb  of  Washing- 
ton and  the  sepulchers  of  Clay  and  Jackson.  If  the  three 
States  here,  by  their  Representatives  assembled,  shall  be  faith- 
ful to  the  trust  committed  to  their  charge,  they  have  the  power 
to  prevent  the  sad  calamity  to  which  I have  alluded.  Ten- 
nessee, Kentucky  and  Ohio  constitute  the  heart  of  this  Union  ; 
they  are  the  great  Mediterranean  of  this  Republic.  They 
possess  a moral  and  physical  power  potent  for  good,  and  by 
the  manifestation  and  exhibition,  in  all  suitable  ways  and  on 
all  fit  occasions,  of  those  principles  of  charity  and  fraternity 
to  which  I have  alluded,  they  can  allay  strifes  and  correct  mu- 
tual misunderstandings,  and  thus  preserve  intact  this  great 
Republic.  So  long  as  this  great  center  and  heart  remain 
sound,  and  beat  truthfully  to  every  vital  principle  of  the  Con- 
stitution, this  body  politic  shall  live  and  be  perpetual. 

And,  gentlemen,  when  you  return  to  your  respective  halls 
of  legislation,  see  to  it,  that  the  sentiments  of  fidelity  to  the 
Constitution  and  the  emotions  of  friendship  for  each  other,  as 
well  as  for  all  the  States  of  this  Confederacy,  which  you  have 


71 


manifested  on  this  occasion,  be  not  obliterated;  and  then  the 
recollections  of  this  happy  greeting  will  have  an  abiding  and 
wholesome  influence,  that  will  greatly  tend  to  preserve  peace 
and  maintain  the  integrity  of  our  beloved  country. 

12.  The  Pioneers  of  Kentucky , Tennessee  and  Ohio — A 
band  of  brothers,  brave,  honest  and  noble.  May  their  de- 
scendants emulate  their  virtues. 

The  response  by  the  Hon.  James  Stokes,  of  Tennessee, 
was  so  eloquent  in  its  terms  that  we  have  to  regret  that 
no  report  of  it  was  made  or  can  be  obtained.  It  was  a 
most  stirring  appeal  in  behalf  of  the  Union,  declaring  the 
fidelity  of  Tennessee  to  the  Constitution  and  to  the  Union 
of  the  people  in  one  common  national  brotherhood. 

13.  “Woman.” 

Response  by  Hon.  Curtiss  F.  Burnham,  of  the  Ken- 
tucky Legislature,  who  spoke  as  follows : 

Mr.  Chairman : 

I might  well  be  pardoned  for  a sense  of  embarrassment  in 
being  asked  to  respond  to  the  closing  sentiment  of  the  even- 
ing, when  so  many  gentlemen  of  great  eminence  have  ad- 
dressed you.  Nor  is  that  embarrassment  diminished  by  the 
sentiment  of  the  toast  itself.  For  in  that  single  word  woman, 
what  is  not  implied?  Consecrated  by  the  living  eloquence 
and  poetry  of  all  ages,  the  passion  of  the  sculptor,  the  dream 
of  the  artist,  that  name  touches  all  that  is  most  elevated  and 
ennobling  in  human  nature,  and  implies  that  which  has  been 
ever  the  inspiration  to  valor,  to  patriotism  and  renown. 

My  distant  home,  sir,  is  in  a country,  at  the  base  of  that 
range  of  mountains,  separating  Kentucky  from  the  parent 
Commonwealth  of  Virginia,  and  uniting  us  in  fraternal  bonds 
with  our  neighbors  of  Eastern  Tennessee.  That  mountain 
region  has  been  not  unaptly  called  the  Switzerland  of  Amer- 


72 


ica,  on  account  of  the  steadfast  devotion  of  the  people  to  free- 
dom and  their  homes.  On  the  banks  of  that  wild  and  beau- 
tiful stream,  which  washes  our  northern  border,  still  remain 
traces  of  the  first  fort  built  by  Boone  and  his  companions, 
more  than  three-fourths  of  a century  ago.  It  is  a part  of  the 
recorded  history  which  has  been  transmitted  to  us,  that 
throughout  all  the  perils  and  sufferings  of  that  age,  while 
their  husbands,  their  brothers,  and  their  sons,  were  engaged 
in  deadly  conflicts  with  the  savages,  and  laying  thus  for  their 
posterity  the  foundations  of  a noble  Commonwealth,  the 
women  too  shared  all  their  toils,  braved  all  their  danger. 
Nurses  of  the  sick,  and  consolers  of  the  dying,  they  also 
molded  bullets  for  the  rifles  of  their  defenders,  and  realized 
anew  the  spirit  of  those  women  of  Sparta,  who  gave  shields  to 
to  their  sons  going  to  war,  with  the  injunction  “ return  with 
them,  or  on  them” — a spirit  moreover  not  inconsistent  with 
the  gentlest  Christian  character,  and  the  purest  refinements 
of  feeling.  Their  descendants,  proud  of  the  memory  of  their 
ancestors,  cherished  and  maintained  their  virtues.  Trained 
in  the  school  of  those  who  think  that  the  fireside  and  the 
family  Altar  are  emphatically  the  throne  of  female  sovereignty, 
they  are  at  last  the  living  divinity  of  our  freedom,  the  sun 
from  which  radiates  every  ray  of  enlightened  public  opinion. 
They  are,  sir,  all  for  the  Union.  The  madness  and  fanaticism 
of  those  who  rave  about  the  disunion  of  the  States,  and  the 
overthrow  of  the  Republic,  reach  them  not. 

Theirs  is  the  beautiful  mission  of  reuniting  those  bands  of 
mutual  fellowship,  which  none  but  demagogues,  for  selfish 
ends,  would  undo.  In  our  own  age,  acting  cordially  with 
their  sisters  in  other  States,  they  have  nobly  illustrated  their 
patriotism  by  the  successful  effort  to  make  national  property 
the  home  and  grave  of  Washington. 

► Mr.  Chairman — As  I came  from  your  great  commercial 
city,  up  the  pleasant  valley  of  the  Miami,  and  witnessed  at 
all  points,  the  demonstrations  of  hospitality  and  patriotic  de- 
votion on  the  part  of  the  people  of  Ohio,  I felt  in  all  its  force 
the  truth  that  yours  and  mine  were  a united  people.  But, 


73 


sir,  had  it  been  otherwise,  had  I been  traveling  through  your 
State,  unfriended  and  alone,  I could  not  have  felt  that  I vTas 
in  an  enemy’s  country.  No,  sir,  God  forbid  ! Devoted  with 
my  whole  heart  to  the  State  of  my  birth,  and  expecting 
whilst  I live,  to  share  her  fate  whatever  that  may  be,  I could 
not  forget  the  memories  of  my  youth.  Educated  in  one  of 
the  beautiful  cities  of  the  far  north,  taught  to  revere  the 
memory  of  those  illustrious  men  who,  in  every  rank  of  life, 
as  soldiers  and  statesmen,  as  scholars  and  artists  and  invent- 
ors, have  enriched  the  pages  of  our  history,  it  would  have 
been  melancholy  to  feel  that  the  time  should  come,  when  I 
could  claim  no  interest  in  their  achievements  and  their  fame ; 
but,  sir,  more  bitter  still  would  have  been  my  grief,  to  think 
that  the  cherished  companions  of  my  boyhood,  who  bent  with 
me  over  the  same  textbooks,  who  played  on  the  same  green- 
sward, who  worshiped  in  the  same  chapel,  and  whose  hands 
in  parting  I had  grasped  with  fraternal  fondness,  were  to  be 
no  longer  my  countrymen. 

Mr.  Chairman — Do  we  find  our  country  as  Armand  Riche- 
lieu found  'France;  rent  asunder,  sloth  in  the  mart,  and 
schism  in  the  temple,  and  w^eek  brawls,  hastening  to  rebellion? 
Let  us  recreate  the  country,  and  by  his  art — justice.  Let 
the  people,  at  all  events,  of  Indiana  and  Kentucky,  of  Ohio 
and  Tennessee,  swear  anew  to  stand  by  the  Union  as  our 
fathers  formed  it — to  stand  by  the  Constitution  one  and  en- 
tire, and  before  their  united  fronts,  sectionalism  and  disunion, 
whether  at  the  North  or  South,  will  slink  away  dishonored 
and  disgraced;  and,  more  than  all,  let  us  not  be  deaf  to  those 
teachings  of  gentleness  and  truth,  descending  on  us  from  our 
home  like  light  from  the  skies,  and  we  may  be  assured  the 
end  of  the  Republic  is  not  yet — that  the  Gibbon  who  shall 
chronicle  its  decline  and  fall  is  yet  unborn.  I offer  in  con- 
clusion a toast,  which  I known  the  Kentuckians  present  will 
drink  from  brimming  glasses. 


“The  Ladies  of  Columbus.1 


74 


After  the  banquet,  many  repaired  to  the  dining  saloons 
of  the  Neil  House,  and  enjoyed  a merry  dance,  and  few 
there  were  who  slept  at  all.  Nearly  every  room  in  the 
three  principal  hotels  of  the  city  was  occupied  by  jolly 
parties,  who  appreciated  the  occasion  too  well  to  lose  any 
time.  In  short,  the  night  was  as  musical  as  a thousand 
hearty  fellows  could  make  it,  in  one  way  or  another. 

The  following  anecdote  may  be  pardoned,  as  illustrating 
the  universal  good  humor  and  satisfaction  of  all  who  par- 
ticipated in  the  occasion.  Mr.  Speaker  Newman  was  ac- 
companied by  his  body  servant,  a sprightly,  saddle-colored 
a boy”  of  about  thirty,  who  was  conscious  of  his  dignity. 
Ilis  master,  who  was  in  the  habit  of  jesting  with  him  famil- 
iarly, accosted  him  in  the  hall  of  the  Neil  House,  just  be- 
fore the  departure  of  our  guests : “ Why,  Jack,  havn’t  any 
of  the  Abolitionists  carried  you  off  yet  ?”  “ Yah  ! yah ! 

Mass’  Newman  (quoth  Jack),  when  I seed  you  gwine  down 
the  street,  arm  in  arm  with  Gubner  Dennison  and  Gubner 
Chase,  I tot  you  were  gone,  sure — yah  ! yah  !” 

It  is  uncertain  which  is  responsible  for  the  story,  Gov. 
Dennison  or  Gov.  Chase. 

By  eight  o’clock,  on  the  morning  of  the  27  th,  the  popu- 
lation of  Columbus  had  again  turned  out  to  greet  their 
guests,  and  bid  them  “ an  affectionate  adieu.”  Military 
and  music  were  all-pervading.  The  Legislature  met  at  the 
above  hour. 

It  was  resolved  by  the  House  and  Senate  that  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly  would  adjourn,  in  order  to  give  the  members 
an  opportunity  to  visit  Cincinnati  with  the  guests  from 
Kentucky,  Tennessee  and  Indiana. 

The  procession,  composed  of  the  Governors,  Legislators, 
and  other  Representatives  of  the  four  States,  was  escorted 
to  the  depot  by  the  military.  There  a national  salute  was 


fired.  Eighteen  cars  had  been  provided  by  the  Superin- 
tendent of  the  Little  Miami,  Xenia  and  Columbus  Rail- 
road, John  B.  Durand,  Esq.  They  moved  out  of  the 
depot  at  half-past  nine  o’clock,  amid  the  acclamations  of 
the  multitude  assembled,  the  strains  of  music  and  loud 
salvos  of  artillery. 

The  scene  was  affecting  beyond  description.  No  pause- 
was  made  until  the  fresh  and  beautiful  town  of  Xenia  was 
reached — fifty-five  miles — yet,  at  Jefferson,  at  London,  at 
Charleston,  thriving  villages  on  the  route,  the  railroad 
stations  and  the  tracks  were  covered  with  dense  masses  of 
the  population.  This  part  of  the  road  lies  through  what 
is  known  as  the  great  ‘‘  Madison  Plains  ” of  Ohio,  one  of 
the  finest  grazing  districts  in  the  world,  where  are  annu- 
ally fattened  for  the  eastern  markets  enormous  herds  of 
cattle,  in  part  bred  upon  the  spot,  but  in  greater  part  col- 
lected and  driven  from  Indiana  and  Illinois.  The  great 
plains  came  in  view  only  by  glimpses,  and  the  earth  was 
covered  by  a thin  sheet  of  snow  which  had  fallen  on  the 
previous  day,  yet  the  beauty  and  fertility  of  the  country 
were  apparent,  and  elicited  many  marks  of  admiration. 

Shortly  after  leaving  Columbus,  the  Cincinnati  Commit- 
tee of  Reception,  consisting  of  J.  D.  Jones,  Esq.,  W.  G. 
Crippen,  of  the  Citizens’  Committee ; and  Messrs.  Ross, 
Marsh,  Davis,  Perry,  of  the  City  Council ; and  Mr.  John 
D.  Caldwell,  of  the  Press,  took  charge  of  the  guests.  They 
passed  through  the  train,  made  a welcome  speech  in  each 
car,  and  distributed  to  each  guest  the  following : 

1.  A Letter-sheet  Programme  of  the  Arrangements  in 
Cincinnati. 

2.  A beautiful  Badge,  on  which  was  printed — “ Cincin- 
nati’s welcome  to  Tennessee  ” (or  Kentucky  or  Ohio, 
with  the  coat  of  arms  of  each  State). 


76 


3.  A card  securing  a room  at  a hotel,  with  the  following 
upon  it : “ Cincinnati  to  her  Guests.” 

The  guests  numbered  about  five  hundred  and  fifty,  and 
included  the  Governor,  State  officers  and  Legislature  of 
Kentucky,  State  officers  and  Legislature  of  Tennessee,  the 
Governor,  State  officers  and  the  Legislature  of  Ohio,  the 
Mayor  and  Council  of  Louisville,  the  Council  of  Colum- 
bus, the  Mayor  and  Council  of  Nashville,  the  Mayor  and 
other  City  officers  of  Indianapolis,  and  a State  officer  of 
Indiana.  Each  Governor  was  accompanied  by  his  staff. 

Several  military  companies,  which  had  participated  in 
the  reception  at  Columbus,  were  in  the  train  on  their  re- 
turn home.  Gov.  Dennison  issued  an  order  commanding 
them  to  escort  the  guests  of  the  State  to  the  city. 

The  happiest  feeling  prevailed  on  the  cars.  The  guests 
were  in  ecstacy  over  the  generous  treatment  they  had  re- 
ceived. About  forty  Tennessee  and  Kentucky  ladies  were 
with  the  party,  and  they  were  lavish  in  their  praise  of  Ohio 
hospitality. 

A second  enthusiastic  demonstration  awaited  the  arri- 
val of  the  train  at  Xenia,  where  thousands  were  again 
collected  at  the  large  and  convenient  station  to  welcome 
the  visitors  and  give  them  a 66  God  speed  ” as  they  went 
upon  their  way.  The  train  could  tarry  here  but  a moment, 
when  it  whirled  off  for  Dayton — darting  swiftly  from  the 
valley  of  the  Little  Miami  to  that  of  the  Great  Miami, 
and  thus  passing  through  one  of  the  most  beautiful  and 
fertile  sections  of  country  in  the  world. 

At  Dayton — an  interior  manufacturing  city  of  some 
twenty  thousand  population,  and  really  one  of  the  hand- 
somest and  wealthiest  cities  on  the  continent — a fine  col- 
lation and  an  immense  crowd  were  found  awaiting  the  ex- 
cursionists. A generous  lunch  was  spread,  the  great 


77 


features  being  heaps  of  first-class  sandwiches  and  pitchers 
of  the  famous  Dayton  ale,  which  flowed  like  water,  and 
were  held  to  be  particularly  refreshing. 

The  people  of  Dayton  turned  out  largely.  There  was  a 
huge  mass  meeting  at  the  depot,  and  the  best  of  feeling 
manifest.  The  people  seemed  decidedly  pleased  to  see  the 
guests.  Their  pleasure  was  shown  in  their  sparkling  eyes, 
and  the  hearty  cheers  which  rolled  up  from  multitudinous 
throats. 

Gov.  Magoffin,  of  Kentucky,  was  called  out.  The  peo- 
ple were  anxious  to  see  the  Chief  Magistrate  of  the  glori- 
ous Commonwealth  of  Kentucky.  The  Governor  was  in 
good  spirits,  and  his  words  expressed  the  most  apprecia- 
tive thankfulness  for  the  abounding  hospitality  showered 
upon  the  representatives  of  his  State,  and  the  other 
Southern  sister,  beautiful  Tennessee. 

After  passing  some  fifteen  minutes  in  exchanging  con- 
gratulations with  the  people,  and  partaking  of  the  good 
things  spread  before  them,  the  party  left  Dayton  amid 
shouts  of  “ Hurrah  for  Dayton,”  “ Hurrah  for  Ohio,” 
“ Three  cheers  for  Tennessee,”  and  “ Three  cheers  for 
Kentucky  ” — all  of  which  were  given  with  a will. 

The  train  was  now  placed  in  charge  of  Mr.  McLaren, 
of  the  Cincinnati,  Hamilton  and  Dayton  Railroad.  He 
hitched  on  a powerful  locomotive,  that  was  magnificently 
decorated  with  flags,  evergreens  and  roses.  The  train 
came  whirling  down  the  Great  Miami  valley,  which  widens 
out  into  rich  and  inexhaustible  plains,  whereon  may  be 
seen  every  year  cornfields  of  a thousand  acres  each,  and 
the  spacious  and  substantial  habitations  of  as  sturdy,  and 
thrifty,  and  intelligent  a rural  population  as  the  country 
contains.  There  was  no  more  stopping  till  Cincinnati  was 
reached — a distance  of  more  than  sixty  miles — yet  all 


78 


along  the  route  the  yeomanry  were  out  in  their  strength, 
to  witness  the  flitting  spectacle  for  the  instant  it  was  pass- 
ing, and  give  the  approbation  of  their  presence  to  the  feel- 
ings of  brotherhood  and  patriotism  that  had  dictated  the 
invitation  and  the  acceptance  which  brought  together  in 
friendship  the  representatives  of  the  first  three  States  born 
of  the  Union.  At  Hamilton — which,  from  its  size  and 
historical  associations,  was  entitled  to  a passing  call — a 
most  gratifying  demonstration  was  made ; but  the  ar- 
rangements at  Cincinnati  for  the  afternoon  and  the  eve- 
ning, were  such  as  to  make  it  necessary  for  the  train  to 
keep  straight  on,  without  opportunity  to  make  any  recog- 
nition or  return  of  the  feeling  that  had  brought  many 
thousands  of  people  to  the  line  of  the  road,  with  civic 
gratulations,  music  and  banners,  and  belching  artillery. 

The  vail  of  snow  which  was  spread  between  Columbus  and 
Dayton,  vanished  before  reaching  Hamilton,  and  the  land- 
scape lay  before  the  eyes  of  the  admiring  guests  unshrouded, 
and,  though  unadorned  with  the  glory  of  the  spring,  sum- 
mer or  autumn,  it  all  seemed  rich  in  promise.  The  soil  of 
Ohio  will  not  want  Southern  advertising  in  any  form  other 
than  that  which  will  be  given  it  by  her  guests,  who  have 
seen  it  with  their  own  eyes,  and  been  filled  with  its  fruits. 

They  were  much  impressed  with  the  excellence  of  con- 
struction and  perfection  of  management  of  the  railroads 
of  Ohio.  The  great  speed,  and  steady,  smooth  running  of 
the  trains,  gave  those  whose  travels  had  not  been  extensive, 
“a  new  sensation.”  No  citizen  of  Ohio,  proud  of  his  State, 
had  cause  to  be  ashamed  of  her  appearance.  She  was  dis- 
played to  advantage.  Her  fine  points  came  out  strongly. 
And  no  one  could  have  asked  a more  generous  and  appre- 
ciative spirit  in  regarding  the  evidences  of  our  progress  on 
every  hand,  than  that  displayed  by  her  guests.  They  felt 


79 


that  it  was  good  for  them  to  be  in  Ohio — and  we  are  sure 
it  will  do  them  good.  The  people  all  along  the  ellipse, 
which  was  traveled,  were  in  high  and  hospitable  spirits. 
Not  only  in  the  towns  were  there  demonstrations  of  all  hail 
and  welcome,  but  there  were  flags  at  the  farm  houses,  and 
the  women  and  men  of  the  country  standing  in  their  doors, 
cheering  on  the  train  freighted  with  the  Representative 
men  of  three  Sovereign  Western  States  of  the  American 
Confederacy.  The  whole  people  felt  the  patriot  tone  so 
becoming  and  gracing — indeed,  making  the  occasion ; and 
at  all  the  little  towns  there  were  crowds  with  banners,  and 
the  incense  of  gunpowder  arose. 

Every  preparation  had  been  made  by  Mr.  McLaren,  the 
Superintendent,  to  deliver  his  guests  in  Cincinnati  in  the 
shortest  possible  time.  The  time  table  proposed  that  the 
excursion  train  should  leave  Dayton  at  12  noon,  and  reach 
Cincinnati  at  2 P.  M.,  and  fifteen  minutes  was  allowed  for 
loss  of  time  between  Columbus  and  Dayton.  It  was  1 
o’clock,  however,  before  the  train  left  Dayton,  and  it  reached 
Cincinnati  shortly  before  3 P.  M.  At  Hamilton,  Middle- 
town,  Glendale,  Millcreek  and  other  stations  along  the  road, 
the  inhabitants  turned  out  in  full  force,  and  greeted  the 
train  on  its  passage  with  shouts  and  other  demonstrations 
of  joy  and  welcome.  Cannons  were  stationed  at  almost 
every  point,  which  announced  the  approach  of  the  train, 
and  continued  to  boom  forth  until  the  train  was  out  of  sight 
and  hearing. 

As  the  train  neared  Cincinnati,  it  slackened  up  some- 
what in  its  speed,  and  the  excursionists  had  a more  deliber- 
ate view, 

“ O’er  Mahketewa’s  flowery  marge,” 

of  the  outer  barriers  of  the  Queen  City.  As  it  was  dis- 
cerned moving  slowly  around  the  curve,  Capt.  Cloon’s 


80 


artillery  and  the  bells  of  the  city  pealed  forth  a welcome. 
The  sun  shone  on  the  steeples  and  towers  of  the  city  with 
a steady  glow,  lighting  up  the  metropolis  with  a gleam  of 
welcome.  The  crowd  at  the  depot  was  prodigious.  It 
seemed  that  the  whole  city  had  turned  out.  The  train  en- 
tered the  magnificent  depot  of  the  Great  Miami  Railroad 
about  3 o’clock,  P.  M.;  and  here  the  scene  beggars  de- 
scription. Sidewalks,  upper  story  windows,  housetops,  om- 
nibuses, hacks,  every  available  nook,  corner,  or  foot  of  earth, 
were  covered  by  those  who  had  come  to  do  honor  to  the 
guests  of  Ohio — noiv  the  guests,  not  of  public  authorities, 
but  of  the  private  citizens  of  Cincinnati.  A hundred 
thousand  people,  at  least,  were  assembled  in  this  part  of 
the  city.  Bells  were  ringing  from  all  steeples,  flags  flout- 
ing the  air  in  every  direction,  music  floating  upon  the  winds, 
and  the  fervent  congratulations  and  loud  huzzas  of  the 
people  almost  deadening  the  constant  roar  of  the  artillery. 
We  never  saw  such  a sight  before — we  never  expect 
to  witness  one  like  it  again.  God  grant  that  no  similar 
occasion  may  give  to  such  a sight,  the  significance  that  at- 
taches to  this. 

On  leaving  the  cars  the  guests  of  the  city  were  met  by 
the  Mayor,  at  the  head  of  the  Citizen’s  Committees  and  the 
City  Council.  The  powerful  Police,  conspicuous  for  their 
well  drilled,  elegant  appearance,  easily  kept  open  the  neces- 
sary space  until  all  were  seated  in  carriages,  when  the  pro- 
cession moved  up  Sixth  street,  as  follows  : 

[The  military  from  abroad  were  received  by  Gen.  Bates, 
and  at  once  assigned  the  post  of  honor  in  the  procession. 
The  column  was  rapidly  formed  and  proceeded  in  the  fol- 
lowing order :] 


81 


THE  PROCESSION. 

Miles  Greenwood — Grand  Marshal; 

Enoch  T.  Carson,  Benj.  Jenifer,  C.  J.  W.  Smith, 
and  J.  Kiersted — Assistant  Marshals ; 

Major  Gen’l  W.  H.  Lytle  and  Staff; 

Brig.  General  Bates. 

Major  Henry  Kennett,  Adjutant. 

Washington  Dragoons; 

Brandt’s  Cornet  Band ; 

Kentucky  Bangers  of  Covington ; 

Kentucky  Cadets; 

Lafayette  (German)  Guards ; 

Bover  Guards ; 

Shields’  Guards ; 

Sarsfield  Guards ; 

German  Yagers ; 

Guthrie  Grays’  Artillery, 

Two  pieces,  each  drawn  by  four  horses ; 

Menter’s  Cornet  Band ; 

Guthrie  Grays,  Companies  A and  B ; 

Dayton  Light  Guards; 

Springfield  Light  Guards; 

Miami  Light  Guards,  of  Miamisburg; 

Dayton  Cornet  Band; 

Dayton  Cadets ; 

Highland  Guards. 

Following  after  was  a gala  car  of  the  Adams  Express 
Company,  drawn  by  six  picked  horses  from  their  magnifi- 
cent stud,  hitched  up  in  diamond  fashion,  and  containing 
the  Liberty  Band,  who  contributed  ungrudgingly  a full 
share  of  inspiring  strains  to  the  general  harmony. 

GUESTS  IN  CARRIAGES  IN  THE  FOLLOWING  ORDER: 

Foremost,  and  breast  and  breast,  three  carriages  rolled 
forward,  and  they  constituted  the  principal  focus  of  attrac- 
G 


82 


tion  to  the  great  concourse  who  loooked  hpon  the  pageant. 
The  center  vehicle  was  drawn  by  four  fine  gray  horses,  and 
contained  Governors  Dennison,  of  Ohio,  Magoffin,  of  Ken- 
tucky, Newman,  of  Tennessee,  and  Mayor  Bishop,  of  Cin- 
cinnati. The  carriages  on  either  side,  also  drawn  by  splendid 
specimens  of  horse-flesh  to  match,  contained  Lieut.  Gov. 
Porter,  of  Kentucky,  Hon.  David  Meriwether,  Speaker  of 
the  House  of  Representatives  of  Kentucky,  the  Hon.  R. 
C.  Parsons,  Speaker  of  the  Ohio  House  of  Representatives, 
T.  C.  Whitthorn,  Speaker  of  the  Tennessee  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives, R.  C.  Kirk,  Lieut.  Governor  of  Ohio.  The  hon- 
ored guests  of  the  city  followed,  in  thirty-six  carriages  and 
an  almost  interminable  line  of  omnibuses,  reaching  over  a 
mile  in  length,  and  thus  amid  a jubilant  outpouring  and 
boisterous  welcome  from  the  masses  which  lined  the  street, 
the  procession  moved  up  Sixth  to  Mound,  Mound  to  Sev- 
enth, Seventh  to  Race,  Race  to  Fourth,  Fourth  to  the  Opera 
House. 

When  the  procession  turned  into  Fourth  street,  a scene 
of  grandeur  greeted  them.  A thousand  flags  floated  from 
the  splendid  buildings  of  that  magnificent  thoroughfare. 
Every  window,  every  foot  of  available  space  was  crowded 
with  people.  The  steps  of  the  Post  Office  were  crowded 
by  ladies  and  their  attendants,  and  around  in  every  direc- 
tion were  thousands  of  people.  Such  a mass  of  human 
beings  has  seldom  been  brought  together  in  honor  of  any 
public  occasion.  It  was  a greeting,  we  are  sure,  so  warmly 
and  heartily  given,  that  it  will  hardly,  if  ever,  be  forgotten 
by  those  who  were  the  recipients.  From  Race  to  Walnut 
it  was  a perfect  sea  of  human  heads,  and  the  cheering  as 
the  procession  of  carriages  passed,  was  deafening  and  con- 
tinuous. Such  intense  enthusiasm  was  rarely  if  ever  wit- 
nessed in  Cincinnati  before.  Through  the  exertions  of 


83 


Capt,  Wilson,  Chief  of  Police,  his  assistants  and  the  mili- 
tary, a passage-way  for  the  carriages  was  secured,  and  the 
guests  were  soon  seated  in  the  Opera  House.  Here  the 
grand  reception  took  place.  This  was  all  that  the  hosts 
could  have  wished,  or  the  guests  have  anticipated.  The 
immense  building  was  thronged  in  every  part,  and  the  fra- 
ternal enthusiasm  knew  no  bounds. 

The  Hall  was  brilliantly  illuminated ; its  appearance  was 
dazzling  to  the  eyes,  and,  viewed  from  the  stage,  was  inde- 
scribably beautiful. 

At  two  o’clock,  the  ladies  who  held  tickets  to  the  Opera 
House  had  been  admitted,  and  before  three  o’clock,  the 
second  circle  was  completely  filled.  This  portion  of  the 
audience  waited  patiently  until  four  o’clock,  when  the  in- 
vited guests  arrived  and  were  ushered  into  the  house, 
headed  by  the  Mayor  and  Committees  escorting  the  Gov- 
ernors and  officers  of  the  States  of  Kentucky,  Tennessee,  In- 
diana and  Ohio,  Speakers  of  the  Legislatures,  who,  with 
the  Hon.  Bellamy  Storer,  Orator  of  the  Hay,  and  numer- 
ous judges  and  invited  dignitaries,  occupied  the  front  of 
the  stage ; supported  in  the  back  ground  by  the  Commit- 
tee of  Arrangements,  the  City  Council  and  the  numerous 
representatives  of  the  Press.  The  dress-circle  and  par- 
quette  of  the  Opera  House  had  been  reserved  for,  and  oc^ 
cupied  exclusively  by,  the  members  of  the  three  Legisla- 
tures and  other  visitors.  The  first  and  second  circles  were 
filled  mainly  by  ladies,  who  were  arrayed  in  their  greatest 
splendor.  The  passage  way  and  gallery  were  densely 
packed  by  the  citizens  of  Cincinnati  and  strangers  who  had 
visited  the  city  for  the  purpose  of  witnessing  the  proceedi- 
ngs. In  a word,  the  Ohio  Valley  was  fairly  represented 
on  the  occasion,  not  by  the  men  alone,  but  also  by  the 
ladies,  and  the  appearance  of  the  house  before  a word  was 


84 


spoken,  was  sufficient  in  itself  to  set  in  motion  the  patriotic 
feelings  of  every  heart,  to  reinspire  confidence  in  the 
strength  of  the  Union,  and  to  crush  the  hopes  of  those  who 
contemplate  or  desire  a severance  of  the  bonds  that  hold 
together  the  States  of  this  grand  Confederacy. 

At  4 1-2  o’clock,  Mayor  Bishop  rose  to  introduce  the 
proceedings,  whereupon  the  whole  audience,  inspired  by  the 
patriotic  feelings  which  seemed  to  pervade  the  vast  assem- 
bly, joined  in  an  outburst  of  enthusiasm.  The  ladies  rose 
simultaneously,  and  greeted  the  guests  by  a waving  of 
handkerchiefs.  The  effect  was  thrilling.  The  guests  rose 
to  their  feet,  and  set  up  a cheer  that  made  the  splendid 
•edifice  ring.  They  cheered  again  and  again.  The  scene 
presented  at  this  point  can  not  be  described. 

MAYOR  bishop’s  WELCOME. 

Fellow-citizens  of  Tennessee , Kentucky  and  Indiana : 

The  honor  which  you  have  conferred  upon  us  in  being  here 
to-day,  is  an  event  which  has  seldom,  if  ever,  occurred  in  the 
history  of  our  country.  You  are  here  on  a great  occasion. 
We  have  met  together  to  take  the  hand  each  of  the  other 
as  a band  of  brothers ; and  I have  the  honor,  on  this  occa- 
sion, to  tender  to  you  the  hospitalities  of  our  city,  and  bid  you 
a cordial  and  hearty  welcome.  I trust  that  the  links  of  friend- 
ship which  are  made  here  to-day,  never  will  be  broken.  I 
trust,  also,  that  you  will  indulge  me  when  I say  that  we  con- 
sider Cincinnati  a great  city.  She  is  surrounded  by  one  of 
the  most  fertile  countries  on  the  globe.  By  her  flows  the 
“ beautiful  river”  Ohio,  whose  tributaries  are  from  the  North, 
the  East  and  the  South,  and  whose  wTaters  bear  the  products 
of  our  commerce  and  manufactures  throughout  every  portion 
of  the  Great  Mississippi  Valley.  The  Executive  officers  of 
four  different  States  of  the  Union,  with  members  of  the  Gen- 
eral Assemblies,  and  other  distinguished  citizens  of  those 
States,  and  the  municipal  officers  of  some  four  or  five  of  the 


85 


great  commercial  cities  of  the  West  are  with  us.  We  are, 
therefore,  prepared  to  say,  that  this  is  truly  a great  occasion* 
We  are  pleased  to  see  you  here,  and  trust  that  while  you 
are  in  our  midst,  you  will  enjoy  yourselves  to  the  utmost 
extent.  I can  say  to  you,  in  behalf  of  the  corporate  authori 
ties  and  citizens  of  Cincinnati,  that  everything  that  can  be  done, 
shall  be  done  to  make  your  visit  a pleasant  and  agreeable  one. 
Gentlemen,  again  I bid  you  a hearty  welcome  to  the  Queen 
City  of  the  West. 

Judge  Storer,  on  behalf  of  the  citizens  of  Cincinnati, 
then  welcomed  the  guests. 

JUDGE  STORER’s  SPEECH. 

Fellow-citizens  of  Tennessee,  Kentucky,  and  Indiana,  but 
in  a higher  sense  fellow-citizens  of  the  American  Union,  I 
welcome  you,  on  behalf  of  the  people  of  Cincinnati,  to  the 
metropolis  of  the  West,  not  as  our  city  alone,  for  it  is  yours, 
also.  It  is  a portion  of  these  confederated  States,  whose 
soil  is  the  common  property  of  every  American  citizen ; 
whose  history  is  a common  heritage,  whose  prosperity  a 
common  blessing,  and  whose  honor  it  is  our  sacred  duty  to 
vindicate. 

The  spirit  in  which  we  proffer  our  welcome,  is  but  the 
manly  impulse  of  hearts  true  to  constitutional  liberty,  as  it  is 
in  sympathy  with  your  own  generous  and  fearless  natures. 

We  claim  no  exclusive  right  to  shine  among  the  constella- 
tions of  our  political  firmament,  but  we  do  claim  to  receive 
all  our  light  and  heat  and  regularity  of  movement  from  a 
common  source — the  Union  of  the  States.  And  while 
traversing  our  pathway,  we  feel  we  can  alone  fulfill  our  mis- 
sion when  we  obediently  revolve  around  a common  center, 
and  own  its  attraction. 

If  we  should  disown  this  great  principle,  or  refuse  alle- 
giance to  its  ultimate  authority,  we  are  but  the  history  of  the 
lost  Pleiad  rewritten,  a star  utterly  extinguished,  or  wander- 
ing desolate  and  unknown  in  the  infinite  of  space. 


86 


We  welcome  you  to  a city  whose  infancy  as  well  as  its 
more  advanced  growth,  is  within  the  memory  of  those  who 
now  hear  us,  exhibiting  the  marvelous  advance  that  enter- 
prise, skill,  industry  and  integrity  can  make  in  social  progress 
in  the  brief  period  of  her  history.  Our  people  are  the  archi- 
tects of  their  own  fortunes.  They  exhibit  in  their  workshops, 
their  warehouses,  as  well  as  their  professional  pursuits,  the 
great  truth  that  labor  is  the  foundation  of  all  permanent  pros- 
perity, as  it  is  the  great  lever  which  moves  the  world.  In 
the  development  of  the  genius  and  intellect  you  see  around 
you,  they  have  embodied  their  distinctive  characteristics. 
If  they  have  shaped  the  rough  material  into  a steam  engine 
or  a locomotive,  if  they  have  constructed  vessels  which  nav- 
igate the  ocean,  and  the  countless  steamers  whose  keels 
divide  the  vast  waters  of  the  Mississippi  Valley — if  the  artist 
has  chiseled  the  marble  statue,  or  his  pencil  given  the  life- 
like representation  of  nature  upon  canvas,  if  the  solar  ray 
has  been  stolen  to  impress  upon  the  polished  plate  a picture 
true  to  its  original,  if  their  deep  convictions  are  illustrated 
in  the  church  edifice,  or  the  school-house,  it  is  but  the  out- 
working of  the  determined  will  to  leave  some  evidence 
behind  them  that  they  had  not  lived  in  vain  ; that  an  end  was 
before  them  to  accomplish,  and  they  have  dared  to  attempt, 
at  least,  its  highest  fulfillment. 

Amid  so  many  exhibitions  of  human  power,  of  so  much 
comfort  in  our  social  condition,  so  many  kind  congratula- 
tions, it  is  painful  to  believe  there  are  those  who,  in  their 
madness,  or  their  folly,  would  dare  to  threaten  the  integrity 
of  the  Union,  whose  ideal  is  the  only  vital  feature  in  the 
organization  of  the  last  Republic  on  earth;  and  this  to  gratify 
a false  ambition,  or  to  consecrate  an  abstraction.  Like  the 
strong  man  of  old,  they  have  lost  their  political  vision,  and 
alike  unfitted  to  instruct,  as  powerless  to  injure,  they  are 
willing  to  destroy  the  Temple  of  constitutional  liberty, 
although  they  may  perish  in  its  ruins.  It  is  sad  to  feel  there 
are  such  political  parricides ; but  it  is  our  consolation  to  know 
that  the  pillar  will  not  be  torn  down,  nor  the  foundation  de- 


87 


molished;  and  that  the  epitaph  of  the  would-be  destroyer, 
be  found  in  the  wheel  of  Ixion  or  the  vulture  of  Prometheus. 

There  can  be,  there  will  be,  there  must  be,  no  dissolution 
of  the  ties  that  bind  us  together.  We  have  permitted  too 
long  the  threat  to  be  enunciated  without  rebuke,  and  it  now 
becomes  the  people  of  the  Union,  not  the  politicians  by  trade, 
although  the  expounders  of  the  Constitution  by  courtesy,  to 
rise  in  their  majesty  and  rebuke  the  treason.  No  matter  who 
is  the  traitor,  North,  South,  East  or  West,  he  must  be  told 
his  u occupation  is  gone.”  The  drones  in  our  political  hives, 
the  men  who  live  without  employment,  and  yet  profess  to 
live  for  the  Union,  must  be  told  the  country  has  no  need  of 
their  valuable  services.  Hitherto  they  have  been  purchased 
at  a high  rate,  but  proved  to  be  too  dear  at  any  price. 

Our  next  duty  is  to  leave  with  every  State  the  exclusive 
regulation  of  its  own  concerns,  to  make  no  invidious  compar- 
isons, express  no  unkind  nor  angry  sentiment,  to  arrogate  to 
ourselves  no  exclusive  privileges — to  feel  that  we  are  united 
in  brotherhood,  varying  indeed  in  our  physical  condition  as 
States,  in  our  climate,  soil  and  productions ; varying  also  in 
our  temperament  and  our  tastes,  but  when  joined  together, 
compose  a beautiful  mosaic — beautiful  not  only  in  its  varied 
parts,  but  in  the  perfection  of  their  harmonious  adjustment. 

There  must  be  mutual  concessions,  as  well  as  respect — no 
empty  gasconade  of  offensive  aggression,  much  less  any 
direct  effort  to  violate  the  code  of  a sister  State.  We  must 
regard  both  as  the  evidence  of  utter  unfitness  on  the  part  of 
the  offender  to  understand  the  true  principles  of  our  Gov- 
ernment. Yet  there  will  be,  in  the  conflict  of  opinion,  neces- 
sarily incident  to  our  free  institutions,  much  to  regret; 
discussion  can  not  be  prevented,  and  if  it  be  conducted  in  a 
manly  spirit,  and  a proper  regard  to  the  rights  of  other 
sovereignties,  it  will  evoke  truth,  and  strengthen  the  national 
bond. 

It  is  but  the  natural  outgrowth  of  thought,  and  wrhen  men 
discuss  questions  with  candor  and  honesty,  a conflict  of 
opinion  can  not  be  foreclosed,  for  there  is  no  danger  Jrom  its 


88 


results.  It  is  the  glory  of  our  free  institutions,  as  enunci- 
ated by  Jefferson,  that  even  “ error  of  opinion  may  be  freely 
permitted,  when  reason  is  left  free  to  combat  it.” 

“ Our  country  is  drawn  by  the  steeds  of  the  sky, 

The  long  race  of  Empire  to  run; 

May  her  coursers  of  light  never  scorch  as  they  fly, 

And  our  Age  be  the  age  of  the  Sun.” 

I welcome  you  again  in  the  name  of  the  aged  men  and  the 
young  men  of  our  State,  in  the  name  of  our  wives  and  our 
daughters. 

[Here  the  speaker  led  a young  lady  to  the  respective 
Governors  of  the  different  States,  to  each  of  whom  she 
presented  a boquet  of  flowers,  fresh  and  beautiful  as  her 
own  young  life.] 

“I  present  to  you,”  continued  Judge  Storer,  “I  present  to 
you,  through  her,  these  beautiful  flowers,  fresh,  lovely  and 
blooming,  amid  the  cold  winter  of  this,  our  Northern  region, 
a type  of  what  our  country  will  be  when  she  is  nursed  and 
encouraged  by  the  people  of  the  whole  nation. 

My  friends,  the  beautiful  river  which  separates  our  State 
from  your  two  proud  Commonwealths,  is  but  an  imaginary 
line,  a thread  of  silver — it  is  not  a barrier,  and  never  was  in- 
tended to  be.  Ohio  and  Kentucky  are  the  offspring  of  a 
common  mother.  The  soil  on  which  we  stand  was  once  a 
part  of  Virginia,  and  Heaven  forbid  the  children  should  ever 
become  ungrateful  to  the  parent.  Upon  the  soil  of  Ohio, 
during  the  past  sixty  years,  have  been  dug,  and  may  still  be 
found  the  graves  of  some  of  the  best  and  noblest  men  of  our 
sister  States. 

On  every  battle-field  of  the  West,  with  George  Rogers 
Clark,  with  Harmar,  St.  Clair,  Wayne,  and  Harrison,  the 
blood  of  your  fathers  has  been  mingled  with  that  of  our 
own  noble  pioneers.  To  dare  to  feel  that  Ohio  and  Ken- 
tucky and  Tennessee  are  not  one  in  heart  and  purpose,  is  but 
to  utter  political  blasphemy. 

From  the  western  slope  of  the  Alleghanies,  which  bind  in 


89 


chains  of  granite  so  many  proud  States,  from  the  Green 
Mountains  to  the  far  South-west,  gush  the  head  springs  of  the 
beautiful  river  which  fertilizes  the  Ohio  valley,  receiving  in 
her  onward  flow  to  the  Father  of  Waters,  the  tributary  offer- 
ings of  New  York,  Pennsylvania,  Maryland,  Alabama,  Vir- 
ginia, Kentucky,  Ohio,  Tennessee,  Indiana,  and  Illinois,  sov- 
ereign States  which  represent  twenty  millions  of  the  Ameri- 
can population  ; and  when  mingled  with  that  mighty  torrent, 
which  rolls  down  the  Mississippi  Valley,  blends  at  last  with 
the  mysterious  stream  which  washes  our  Southern  border  from 
the  Rio  del  Norte  to  the  St.  Croix,  there  meeting  another 
stream  whose  sources  are  in  the  inland  seas  that  circle  our 
Northern  frontier,  whose  waves  have  sparkled  in  the  bow  of 
the  Cataract,  and  have  been  borne  on  the  majestic  St.  Law- 
rence to  the  ocean — 

“ Juncta  in  uno.’ 

What  God  hath  joined  together  let  no  man  put  asunder. 

Who,  then,  Sir,  will  dare  to  calculate  the  value  of  this 
Union?  I believe  it  is  the  destiny  of  our  country  to  live  as 
long  as  time  shall  live.  I believe  that  He  who  holds  the 
world  at  His  nod,  and  He  who  has  permitted  so  many  glorious 
developments  in  the  past,  has  before  Him  and  us  a great 
future.  God  grant  that  in  our  day  we  shall  hear  no  more  of 
dissention,  or  of  sectional  disunion,  whether  of  the  North  or 
of  the  South,  of  the  East  or  of  the  West,  and  that,  when- 
ever we  speak  of  our  country,  we  shall  utter  the  sentiment, 
our  whole  country , Union  and  Liberty — one  and  inseparable . 

Responses  to  the  Mayor  and  Judge  Storer  were  made 
by  Governor  Magoffin,  of  Kentucky,  Lieutenant  Governor 
Newman,  of  Tennessee,  and  Hon.  Gordon  Tanner,  of  In- 
diana, closing  with  a brief  word  from  Governor  Dennison, 
of  Ohio.  We  give  them  in  their  order. 

Governor  Magoffin,  of  Kentucky,  was  introduced,  and 
received  the  most  flattering  demonstrations  of  a cordial 
greeting. 


90 


governor  Magoffin's  speech. 

Mr.  Mayor , Ladies  and  Gentlemen  of  Ohio : 

Language  is  too  feeble  to  express  the  deep  emotion  that  I 
feel  in  giving  you  an  answer.  (Voices,  “ Louder!”)  In  re- 
turning an  answer  to  the  Mayor  of  your  city,  and  to  you 
through  him,  I have  said  that  language  is  too  feeble  to  ex- 
press the  sentiments  that  now  crowd  upon  me. 

This  is  indeed  a grand  spectacle,  and  I can  give  you,  sir, 
upon  the  part  of  Kentucky,  after  having  expressed  in  my 
own  name,  and  in  the  name  of  the  noble  State  I have  the 
honor  to  represent,  the  warmest  thanks  for  the  kind  welcome 
that  you  have  given  us — I have  to  say  to  you  that  I can  extend 
to  you — Kentucky  can  extend  to  Ohio — Louisville  extends 
to  Cincinnati,  and  Frankfort  extends  to  Columbus — the  peo- 
ple of  my  native  State  extend  to  the  people  of  Ohio,  the 
right  hand  of  fellowship  upon  the  great  sentiment  that  has 
brought  us  together,  though  unexpressed  by  the  distinguished 
gentlemen  that  have  sat  down,  in  favor  of  a deep  devotion  to 
this  Union. 

Why  should  not  Kentucky  and  Ohio  be  together  in  loyalty 
to  the  Union  ? They  may  honestly  differ  in  regard  to  their 
domestic  institutions,  but  as  to  the  Union,  with  devotion  they 
would  be  united.  I cordially  extend  to  the  distinguished 
gentlemen  who  have  addressed  us  the  right  hand  of  fellowship 
upon  this  one  sentiment,  a grand  one,  upon  which  our  politi- 
cal institutions  depend,  and  that  is  the  right  of  each  State  to 
regulate  for  itself  its  own  domestic  institutions.  Would  you 
not  think  it  very  strange  if  a Kentuckian  should  come  over 
here  to  dictate  to  you  what  was  right  as  to  your  domestic  in- 
stitutions, and  shall  we  not  think  it  wrong  if  you  shall  at- 
tempt to  dictate  to  us  ? The  only  way  that  we  can  get  along 
under  the  Constitution,  is  for  everybody  to  mind  his  own 
business.  All  I have  to  say  in  regard  to  this  matter  is,  that 
we  can  differ  on  this  subject,  but  the  outpouring  of  the  people 
here  is  a proof  to  me  that  the  people  in  their  might  will  set 
things  right. 


91 


It  is  true  that  we  expected  a kind  welcome  from  your  known 
hospitality,  from  your  liberality,  and  from  your  noble  spirit — 
aye,  indeed,  from  the  knowledge  of  who  were  your  ances- 
tors— we  knew  that  we  would  receive  a cordial  and  becoming 
welcome,  but  when  we  left  home  the  sun  having  withdrawn 
his  beams,  we  little  thought  that  all  would  be  sunshine  and 
sunlight  in  the  hearts  of  your  people  ; we  little  expected  that 
the  whole  road  would  be  lined  with  the  flags ; we  did  not  ex- 
pect to  have  a pathway  to  tread  lined  with  roses ; little  did 
w*e  expect  to  see  the  sun  shine  out  in  all  its  splendor. 

The  scene  which  I have  witnessed  reminds  me  that  the 
clouds  of  darkness  which  surrounded  the  light  of  truth  and 
patriotism  will  break  out  when  occasion  becomes  more  profit- 
able. When  I found  our  pathway  bestrewed  with  roses,  I in- 
deed thought  that  significant  signs  were  shown.  I was  just 
thinking  at  the  time  of  our  reception  that  I did  always  be- 
lieve in  the  virtue  and  intelligence  of  the  people,  but  never 
did  I see  such  a sight  as  I have  seen  now ; my  thoughts  did 
not  realize  such  a spectacle.  We  have  been  gratified  with 
the  shouts  of  the  men,  and  with  the  smiles  of  the  ladies. 
Woman  has  given  enchantment  to  the  scene.  It  is  true  we 
have  heard  music,  and  the  firing  of  cannon;  we  have  seen 
banners  flying,  and  we  have  had  before  us  military  displays ; 
but  these  have  not  been  the  evidences  of  warlike  preparation, 
but  the  manifestations  of  regard.  They  have  gratified  us ; 
they  have  touched  our  hearts.  All  these  things  show  your 
devotion  to  our  Union,  which  we  of  Kentucky  love. 

Here  some  one  in  the  audience  made  an  inquiry  of  the 
Governor,  as  to  what  were  his  political  opinions. 

You  all  know  that  I am  a Democrat.  Why,  the  Democrats, 
gentlemen,  can  not  agree  among  themselves  about  these  mat- 
ters that  we  disagree  upon,  and  we  have  agreed  (at  least  that 
is  our  position),  that  we  will  not  make  this  a test  question  in 
the  Democratic  party.  I know  that  we  differ  about  this  negro 
question;  but  when  we  meet  at  the  festive  board,  it  shall  be 


92 


as  brethren,  ready,  willing  and  able  to  sustain  the  Union,  and 
when  we  meet  you  on  occasions  of  this  kind,  heart  meets 
heart  on  a common  ground. 

I did  not  know  what  I meant  to  say  on  this  occasion,  but 
the  gentleman  who  has  just  taken  his  seat,  has  put  a thought 
into  my  mind,  and  you  must  bear  with  me,  for  what  I have  to 
say  is  in  me,  and  I have  to  speak  it  out.  While  they  are 
cutting  up  their  pranks  at  Washington,  we  feel  none  of  the 
loosening  of  fraternal  ties  as  between  Kentucky,  Tennessee, 
Indiana  and^Ohio,  and  I think  the  best  thing  we  can  do  is  to 
accept  the  invitation  of  Governor  Morgan  to  go  through 
Pennsylvania,  and  down  to  Washington,  and  see  why  there 
is  nothing  but  disorganization  there.  The  people  have  never 
taken  this  thing  in  their  own  hands. 

He  proceeded  to  declare  his  conviction  that  the  heart 
of  the  masses  was  all  right.  Great  applause  followed  this 
declaration,  and  the  Governor  declared  that  if  the  value 
of  this  Union  was  to  be  calculated,  this  people  seemed  to 
understand  it. 

Enlarging  upon  this  theme,  and  the  significance  of  this 
fraternization  of  States,  he  declared  roundly  that  he  no 
longer  had  any  fears  as  to  the  perpetuity  of  the  Union. 

The  Governor  here  took  a general  view  of  the  character 
of  our  Government  and  institutions,  and  instituted  com- 
parisons between  our  institutions  and  those  of  other  coun- 
tries, striking  the  balance  in  our  favor.  Intelligence  and 
patriotism  learned  in  the  schools  and  at  our  mother’s  knee 
were  our  safeguards.  The  people  protected  the  Govern- 
ment that  protected  them.  Merit  here  was  the  passport 
to  the  high  places  of  honor. 

Yes,  merit  alone,  under  our  glorious  system  of  Government, 
is  the  noble  passport  to  the  highest  places  within  the  gift  of 
the  people,  and  this  magnificent  demonstration,  from  the  hum 


93 


blest  to  the  highest  classes  of  your  patrotic  citizens,  is  the 
sublimest  illustration  of  the  fact  that  there  is  still  intelligence 
enough  to  fully  appreciate  the  blessing  we  enjoy,  as  part  free 
and  part  slave  States,  and  public  virtue  enough  to  protect 
those  institutions  from  any  dangers  that  may  threaten  them 
with  destruction.  When  the  beautiful  child  who  was  intro- 
duced to  me  by  Judge  Storer,  did  my  State  the  honor  to  pre- 
sent me  with  the  bouquet  I hold  in  my  hand — at  once  the 
emblem  of  purity  and  innocence  and  love,  and  the  type  of 
my  country,  I was  reminded  that  in  illustration  of  that  coun- 
try, there  it  stood  with  the  broad  shield  of  the  Constitution 
over  it,  and  when  it  retired  to  rest  and  received  the  prayer 
and  the  pure  kiss  of  its  devoted  mother,  she  could  feel  that 
weak,  pure,  innocent,  beautiful  as  it  was,  its  slumbers  would 
be  undisturbed.  That  then  it  would  sleep  secure  from  a ty- 
rant’s grasp — and  that  there  it  was  guarded  by  a nation’s 
honor  and  a nation’s  arm.  Our  people  know  how  to  value 
such  institutions  as  those  under  which  we  live,  and  now  that 
we  believe  them  to  be  in  danger,  we  should  take  counsel  to- 
gether for  their  preservation.  Some  persons  may  think  it  in 
bad  taste,  upon  an  occasion  like  this,  to  introduce  the  sub- 
ject of  politics.  I think  otherwise,  and  have  made  up  my 
mind  to  be  censured.  If  we  did  not  come  to  see  you  upon  a 
political  mission  as  well  as  socially,  I have  mistaken  the  ob- 
ject of  our  visit.  Looking  the  danger  in  the  face,  I shall  ex- 
press to  you  frankly  my  opinions ; but  I shall  do  it  in  all 
kindness,  hoping  to  hear  yours  in  the  same  spirit.  We  have 
heard  this  Union  is  in  danger ; we  see  and  hear  nothing  but 
criminations  and  recriminations  in  Congress,  and  out  of  it — 
from  the  pulpit  and  the  press  representing  the  free  and  the 
slave  States.  Congress  is  disorganized,  the  social  and  politi- 
cal ties  that  bind  us  together  as  a people  are  every  day  being 
sundered,  and  the  two  sections  of  the  country  are  every  hour 
drifting  wider  and  wider  apart.  Let  us  talk  to  each  other 
plainly  about  the  causes  of  the  alienation.  We  come  as 
brethren  devoted  to  a continuance  of  the  Union,  to  have  an 
understanding,  and  to  stand  by  it  in  the  future.  We  of  the 


94 


South  stand  by  the  Union  under  the  compact  of  the  Constitu- 
tion; so  say  you  of  the  North,  but  the  controversy  grows  out 
of  a difference  in  the  interpretation  of  that  Constitution. 
There  lie  the  dangers  which  threaten  us.  We  tell  you  plainly 
we  ask  nothing  we  would  not  concede.  We  want  all  our 
rights  guaranteed  to  us  under  the  Constitution;  you  shall 
have  yours.  We  stand  by  the  equality  of  the  citizen,  and 
the  rights  of  the  citizen — the  equality  of  the  States,  and  the 
rights  of  the  States.  We  would  make  no  discrimination  in 
legislating  either  for  or  against  any  kind  of  property  recog- 
nized as  such  by  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States.  We 
believe  in  the  right  of  the  people  to  manage  their  domestic 
affairs  to  suit  themselves,  and  are  willing  to  leave  the  whole 
matter  to  them  without  interference.  We  stand  by  the  pres- 
ent settlement  of  the  slavery  question,  leaving  it  where  it  is 
under  the  laws  of  the  Constitution  and  the  Courts;  and  be- 
lieving the  laws  adequate,  we  ask  for  their  faithful  execution. 
We  would  speak  to  you  in  all  kindness,  as  friends,  as  brethren, 
linked  together  by  kindred  ties,  by  identity  of  interest,  by 
daily  association,  by  a common  parentage,  by  all  the  cherished 
memories  of  the  past,  by  all  the  progress  of  the  present,  and 
by  all  the  glorious  hopes  of  the  future,  by  everything  that 
should  bind  us  indissolubly  together  as  one  family  into  this 
mighty  nation — we  make  our  earnest  appeal.  We  will  hear 
you  in  the  same  spirit,  with  the  same  fraternal  regard,  and  if 
we  can  not  agree,  in  God’s  name,  and  in  the  name  of  the 
country,  let  us  dismiss  the  dangerous  discussion  of  the  ques- 
tion from  our  counsels  forever.  It  produces  only  strife,  dis- 
cord, bitterness,  sectional  feeling  and  sectional  parties  among 
a people  who  ought  to  love  each  other.  Let  us  act  in  this 
matter  like  the  devoted  members  of  an  affectionate  family, 
where  honest  differences  of  opinion  arise,  which  threaten  its 
peace  and  harmony.  Let  us  dismiss  the  disagreeable  subject 
altogether,  and  we  can  live  in  the  present  and  in  the  future 
as  we  have  lived  in  the  past — free,  prosperous  and  happy  in 
our  common  brotherhood.  Dismiss  it  from  our  fireside  con- 
versations, from  our  legislative  halls  Jn  the  States,  from  the 


95 


pulpit,  from  the  press,  from  the  halls  of  congress.  It  mingles 
in  all  our  discussions,  and  interferes  with  all  the  business  and 
social  relations  of  our  people.  Let  us  discard  it  forever — 
keep  it  localized , and  leave  it  to  the  people,  as  new  States 
come  into  the  Union,  to  say  whether  they  will  or  will  not 
have  slavery  among  them.  If  there  is  any  better  mode  of 
adjustment,  I would  like  to  hear  it.  Give  all  a fair  chance. 
Would  you  in  the  spirit  of  justice  deprive  any  part  of  the 
people  from  an  equal  participation  in  its  comforts,  either  in 
the  Territories  or  the  States  ? Are  not  those  Territories  our 
common  property,  under  a common  Constitution,  and  our 
whole  people  entitled  to  the  same  privileges  in  them?  Would 
you  exclude  a part  of  our  people  from  their  settlement? 
Would  you  give  them  institutions  the  don’t  want?  Would 
you  enact  laws  for  them  which  they  declare  they  will  not 
have  ? You  can  not  force  upon  a free  and  enlightened  peo- 
ple, in  such  a government  as  ours,  laws  they  do  not  want ; 
if  you  could  pass  them,  you  could  not  execute  them. 

In  conclusion,  I beg  leave  to  say  that  coming  as  this  noble 
welcome  does,  from  a city  so  renowned  for  its  industrial  pur- 
suits, for  its  extensive  manufacturing  establishments,  for  its 
arts  and  its  beautiful  public  and  private  buildings,  for  the  en- 
lightened spirit  of  its  enterprising  citizens,  for  its  wonderful 
progress  in  all  that  can  make  great  a free  and  happy  people, 
it  is  doubly  gratifying  to  us.  Again,  for  myself  and  the  proud 
old  Commonwealth  I have  the  honor  to  represent,  I return  to 
you,  and  through  you,  to  the  people  of  Cincinnati,  our  pro- 
foundest  acknowledgments  for  the  cordial  and  princely  wel- 
come you  have  been  pleased  to  give  us. 

Governor  Magoffin  was  followed  immediately  by  Mr. 
Speaker  Newman,  of  the  Senate  of  Tennessee, 

speaker  newman’s  response: 

Tennessee  first  presents  her  thanks  to  the  Ladies  of  Ohio, 
for  their  most  cordial  greeting.  She  then  returns  her  thanks 
to  the  Mayor,  Citizens  and  Common  Council  of  Cincinnati,  for 


96 


their  very  kind  invitation  to  visit  and  partake  of  the  hospitali- 
ties of  the  Queen  City  of  the  West.  Then  she  returns  her 
thanks  to  the  people  of  Ohio  for  the  welcome  they  have  given 
her  upon  this  occasion.  We  come  from  the  South  to  meet 
around  a common  board  to  swear  our  eternal  devotion  to  the 
Constitution  of  our  common  country,  and  that  with  the  women 
of  Ohio — God  bless  them — and  with  men  willing  to  swear  with 
us  to  maintain  it.  It  was  the  Declaration  of  Independence 
that  first  made  us  glorious.  It  was  not  the  Union,  but  the 
Constitution  and  the  Union  that  made  us  independent,  indeed. 
To  this  Constitution  and  this  Union,  under  this  Constitution, 
with  all  its  compacts,  compromises,  guarantees  and  laws  made 
under  it,  Tennessee  is  willing  to  abide — both  now,  henceforth 
and  forever.  Does  Ohio  greet  Tennessee  and  join  her  in  the 
same  sentiment?  [Enthusiastic  cries  of  “She  does!  She 
does  !”  and  great  cheering.]  If  she  does,  in  the  name  of  the 
women,  in  the  name  of  the  men,  in  the  name  of  the  soldiery 
of  Tennessee,  we  thank  you  all,  men,  women  and  children, 
and  the  ties  that  bind  us  shall  not  be  broken ; for  to  these 
sentiments  we  should  all  pledge  our  lives,  our  fortunes  and 
our  sacred  honor. 

In  the  name  of  Tennessee,  allow  me  to  return  to  the  peo- 
ple of  Cincinnati  and  the  people  of  Ohio,  the  sincere  thanks 
of  the  Representatives,  and  through  them  of  the  people  of 
Tennessee,  for  your  open-handed  and  cordial  welcome  and 
most  generous  hospitality.  I thank  you  all. 

The  address  of  Mr.  Newman  was  delivered  with  great 
earnestness  and  wonderful  effect.  When  he  ceased,  the 
vast  audience,  as  one  man,  arose  to  their  feet,  three  cheers 
were  proposed  by  a member  of  the  Ohio  Legislature,  who 
sat  in  the  parquet te  for  Kentucky  and  Tennessee.  They, 
having  been  given,  a round  was  heartily  given  for  the  State 
of  Ohio. 

Mr.  Tanner,  one  of  the  State  officers  of  Indiana,  next 
addressed  the  meeting  in  the  following  speech : 


GORDON  TANNER’S  SPEECH. 


Mr.  Mayor  and  Citizens  of  Cincinnati:  On  behalf  of  the 
Governor  and  the  people  of  the  State  of  Indiana,  I return  to 
you  and  to  the  great  Municipal  Government  over  which  you 
preside,  and  through  you  to  the  generous  and  patriotic  citi- 
zens of  Cincinnati,  our  cordial  and  hearty  thanks  for  the 
splendid  reception  and  the  open-handed  hospitality  with  which 
we  are  greeted. 

And  on  behalf  of  every  citizen  of  Indiana,  from  the  Lake 
to  the  Ohio,  from  the  Miami  to  the  Wabash — on  behalf  of  the 
whole  people  of  our  State,  the  humblest  of  her  citizens  may 
express  gratitude  for  and  thankfulness  to  the  Divine  Provi- 
dence which  has  brought  together,  in  peace  and  harmony,  the 
contending  brethren  of  sister  Republics.  Indiana  responds, 
throughout  all  her  borders,  to  each  and  every  expression  of 
patriotism  and  devotion  to  the  Union,  which  has  been  uttered 
by  the  eloquent  and  honored  Representatives  of  her  elder  and 
greater  sisters.  Thank  God!  Indiana  needs  no  panegyric. 
Not  one  word  need  be  said  of  her  devotion  to  the  union  of 
these  States.  Her  past  history  speaks  for  her.  There  is  not 
this  day  one  disunionist,  one  secessionist  within  her  bounda- 
ries. & 

There  is  not  a battalion  of  drilled  soldiery  in  the  North' 
■west  that  could  prevent  the  conservative  masses  of  Indiana 
from  hanging  a professed  disunionist  on  the  nearest  tree.  She 
has  been,  in  some  sort,  a silent  member.  She  has  been  the 
Cinderella  of  a more  brilliant  and  a more  favored  sisterhood. 
What  influences  have  brought  a great  and  powerful  State  to 
this  position,  I do  not  propose  to  point  out.  But  from  this 
time  forth  she  intends  that  her  voice  shall  be  heard  and  her 
power  felt  in  determining  the  destinies  of  this  Republic.  The 
time  for  action  has  come. 

We  have  among  us  those  who  can  move  the  people  by  their 
eloquence.  We  have  among  us  those  who  have  fought  more 
wordy  battles  for  the  Union,  against  more  fearful  odds,  than 
have  been  fought  by  the  citizens  of  any  State  of  the  Con- 


98 


federacy.  But  we  are  tired  talking  about  disunion.  We  are 
ready  for  the  “ overt  act.”  We  are  ready  to  pledge  our 
wealth,  our  intellect,  our  muscle  and  our  honor  to  the  people 
of  the  Mississippi  Valley,  to  “ crush  out  treason  wherever  it 
may  rear  its  head.” 

The  Mayor  then  presented  Gov.  Dennison,  who  said : 

governor  Dennison’s  speech. 

What  can  Ohio  say  that  has  not  been  said  to-day  ? What 
welcome  can  be  given  to  our  gallant  friends  of  Kentucky, 
Tennessee  and  Indiana,  that  has  not  been  given  by  the  dis- 
tinguished gentlemen  that  have  preceded  me?  Sir,  I recipro- 
cate all  the  sentiments  of  good  will  so  eloquently  expressed, 
and  in  behalf  of  the  people  of  Ohio,  I say  to  the  people  of 
Kentucky  and  Tennessee  and  Indiana,  that  we  will  stand  up- 
idght  always  in  support  of  the  Constitution,  and  each  and  all 
of  its  compromises.  I say  to  them  that,  let  the  harsh  notes  of 
disunion  be  sounded  where  they  may,  they  shall  never  be 
heard  within  the  limits  of  Ohio.  I say  to  them  that  the  affec- 
tions of  the  people  of  this  State  are  not  circumscribed  by 
geographical  limits.  God  forbid  they  ever  should  be.  God 
forbid  the  day  shall  ever  come  when  the  citizens  of  Ohio 
may  not  greet  as  of  a political  brotherhood  him  that  comes 
from  the  land  of  Clay,  the  land  of  Jackson  and  the  land  of 
Tipton!  No,  sir!  treason  against  the  Union,  and  treason 
against  the  Constitution  may  be  hatched,  but  the  mighty  peo- 
ple will  root  it  out,  and  he  who  will  seek  to  put  the  torch  to 
the  temple  of  our  constitutional  liberty  will  be  striken  down 
by  the  virtue  and  patriotism  of  the  masses  of  the  country. 

Differences  may  exist  between  the  people  of  the  Northern 
and  the  Southern  States  in  respect  to  this  question  or  that 
question — differences  have  existed,  and  they  may  yet  exist, 
but  those  differences  have  been  adjusted  within  the  limits  of 
the  Union  and  by  the  powers  of  the  Constitution,  and  I say 
to  our  friends  of  Kentucky  and  of  Tennessee  and  of  Indiana 
.that  whatever  differences  now  exist  or  which  may  hereafter 


99 


exist,  shall  be  adjusted  within  the  limits  and  by  the  power  of 
the  Union  and  the  Constitution. 

My  fellow-citizens,  I am  admonished  that  the  time  has  ar- 
rived when  this  great  and  gorgeous  temple  will  be  needed  for 
other  purposes.  I will,  therefore,  detain  you  only  to  say  for 
the  people,  "whose  Executive  I have  the  honor  to  be,  we  will 
stand  with  you,  shoulder  to  shoulder,  in  defense  of  the  Con- 
stitution, its  compromises  and  its  guarantees,  and  that  you 
will  ever  find  us  ready,  with  open  hands  and  warm  hearts,  to 
receive  you  as  brethren  in  this  great  and  glorious  Union. 

The  announcement  being  made  that  the  exercises  had 
closed,  the  immense  crowd  slowly  dispersed. 

Loud  and  prolonged  cheering  followed  this  brief  and 
hearty  address.  The  audience  were  then  dismissed.  The 
guests  were  escorted  to  carriages  and  promptly  conveyed  to 
the  hotels  which  had  been  assigned  them,  as  follows: 
Burnet  House,  Tennessee ; Spencer  House,  Kentucky ; 
Broadway  and  Gibson,  Ohio ; Madison  and  Walnut  Street 
House,  Indiana  and  Municipal  bodies. 

We  can  not  close  without  noticing  a most  significant  in- 
dication on  this  great  occasion,  the  effect  upon  the  thous- 
ands inside  of  the  hall,  when  the  band,  suddenly  changing 
its  tuile,  struck  up  in  double  quick  time  our  most  familiar 
national  air — Yankee  Doodle.  The  “Key  note  of  the 
Union”  was  fairly  struck,  and  whoever  witnessed  the  effect, 
must  have  gone  awny  a wiser  and  better  man. 

Business  was  pretty  generally  suspended  during  the  day. 
The  principal  thoroughfares  early  in  the  morning  gave 
unmistakable  evidences  of  the  approach  of  some  unusual 
event.  Many  of  the  most  prominent  buildings  were  hand- 
somely decorated  with  evergreen  wreaths ; fifty  thousand 
flags  were  fluttering  in  the  crisp,  wintry  breeze,  from  as 
many  windows ; men  in  martial  array  were  seen  hurrying 


100 


to  and  fro ; the  national  colors  were  flying  from  the  roof  of 
every  railroad  car,  omnibus  and  carriage,  and  the  head  of 
every  horse  in  the  city ; streamers,  on  which  were  inscribed 
patriotic  sentiments  and  words  of  welcome,  were  stretched 
from  house  to  house ; and,  as  the  forenoon  wore  away,  the 
principal  avenues  were  crowded  with  thousands  of  people, 
wearing  their  best  attire  and  most  cheerful  smiles. 

Among  the  numbers  of  buildings  that  were  handsomely 
decorated  for  the  occasion,  we  have  only  space  to  mention 
a few  of  the  most  prominent. 

The  Enquirer  office  made  a very  good  display.  Like- 
nesses of  Jackson  and  Clay  were  exhibited  above  the  fifth 
story,  flags  were  fluttering  from  all  the  windows,  and  a 
large  flag,  bearing  the  following  inscription,  stretched  across 
the  street  to  the  Custom  House : 


f'""' ’ X f 

y 

V LIBERTY  AND  UNION,  NOW  AND  FOREVER,  ONE 

X AND  INSEPARABLE.  X 


v WELCOME,  KENTUCKY  AND  TENNESSEE ! $ 

X ^ ^ X 


Shillito’s  magnificent  dry-goods  house,  Mitchell  & Ram- 
melsberg’s  furniture  ware-rooms,  the  Postoffice  Building, 
the  Opera  House,  Church’s  Music  store,  the  Spencer  House, 
the  Times  office,  the  Burnet,  Gibson,  Madison,  United 
States,  and  Walnut-street  Houses,  the  Broadway  Hotel, 
and  indeed  nearly  every  building  on  Pearl,  Main,  Walnut, 
Vine,  Second,  Third,  Fourth  and  Fifth  streets,  were  all 
decorated  in  a manner  deserving  more  than  a passing 
notice. 

Suire,  Eckstein  & Co.,  displayed  from  each  window  of 
their  large  building,  small  flags  with  a figure  in  front, 


101 


representing  “ The  Goddess  of  Liberty.”  Innumerable 
flags  were  also  floating  from  the  windows  of  the  Gazette 
office,  as  also  from  almost  every  other  window  on  the  square. 
At  Fifth  and  Vine,  on  the  building  occupied  by  Reilly  & 
Woods,  was  a large  banner,  with  the  words : 

“ WE  WELCOME  YOU.” 

On  Fourth  street,  east  and  west,  the  same  magnificent 
scene  of  flying  colors  was  discernable.  The  Opera  was 
almost  concealed  from  view,  and  opposite,  suspended  in  the 
air,  was  a full  length  portrait  of  Washington,  with  the  in- 
scription beneath,  of  “ Virtue  and  Patriotism.”  Still  fur- 
ther west  and  east  were  the  emblems  of  patriotism,  and  on 
this  occasion,  of  hospitality,  flying  from  every  window  and 
house  top. 

The  Carlisle  building,  corner  of  Fourth  and  Walnut,  was 
the  most  neatly  decorated  of  any  in  the  city.  From  the 
windows  of  either  story  wreaths  of  evergreens  drooped  in 
beautiful  folds,  while  flags  were  appropriately  interspersed. 

So  we  might  mention  almost  every  portion  of  the  city. 
On  Pearl  street,  Second  street,  Walnut  and  Main,  scarcely 
anything  but  stars  and  stripes  were  to  be  seen.  The  Com- 
mercial office,  corner  Third  and  Sycamore,  had  its  ’76’ 
flapping  its  folds  in  the  breeze,  while  to  the  East,  on  Third 
street,  the  American  and  Adams’  Express  Offices  were  very 
beautifully  and  expressively  decorated.  The  Adams’  Ex- 
press Company  had  a huge  silk  banner,  with  the  following 
mottoes  : 

“ Kentucky,  Ohio  and  Tennessee — A Trinity  of  States 

WHOSE  UNITY  IS  GUARANTEED  BY  THE  MEMORY  OF 

Clay,  Harrison  and  Jackson.” 

On  the  reverse  side  was  the  following  sentiment : 


102 


“Union,  Prosperity  and  Happiness — the  heritage  be- 
queathed by  the  Father  of  his  Country.” 

“ Esto  Perpetua.” 

In  the  evening  a great  number  of  buildings  were  beau- 
tifully illuminated.  At  Fourth  and  Vine  the  scene  was 
grand.  Lights  flashed  from  every  pane  of  the  Custom  House, 
of  Shillito’s  splendid  store,  and  other  establishments  in 
that  vicinity.  The  streets  were  filled  with  people,  fire- 
works were  discharged,  and  everybody  appeared  joyous. 
The  city’s  badges  admitted  guests  to  the  theaters  and  all 
other  places  of  amusement,  and  wherever  a considerable 
party  of  them  appeared,  they  were  greeted  with  applause. 
The  stores  were  thrown  open  to  them,  and  wherever  they 
went  they  were  generally  received  and  fraternally  waited 
upon.  Our  citizens  acted  the  host.  Every  man,  woman 
and  child  seemed  to  take  pleasure  in  adding  to  the  enjoy- 
ment of  the  guests. 

the  banquet. 

The  grand  climacteric  transpired  in  the  Banqueting  Hall 
of  the  Burnet  House  on  Friday  evening. 

At  eight  o’clock  the  vast  multitude  thronged  the  vesti- 
bule, corridors  and  reception  rooms  of  the  great  Hotel.  The 
scene  was  most  striking,  principally,  of  course,  from  the 
representative  character  of  the  distinguished  guests  pres- 
ent, but  also  from  the  tout  ensemble  of  a thousand  people 
gathered  in  one  assembly,  all  animated  by  one  impulse. 

The  Banqueting  Hall  had  been  prepared  to  seat  eight 
hundred  and  forty-seven  guests,  but  not  less  than  one 
thousand  persons  partook  of  the  plenteous  feast  spread  on 
the  groaning  tables.  At  the  farther  end  of  the  Hall  a long 
table  was  arranged  at  right  angles  with  six  running  the 


103 


length  of  the  room,  and  at  this  table  were  seated  his  honor, 
Mayor  Bishop,  with  Gov.  Dennison,  of  Ohio,  Gov.  Magof- 
fin, of  Kentucky,  on  his  right ; and  on  his  left,  Lieut.  Gov. 
Newman,  of  Tennessee,  Hon.  Mr.  Tanner,  of  Indiana,  with 
the  Speakers  of  the  three  Legislatures. 

Soon  after  eight  o’clock,  the  Committee  of  Arrange- 
ments summoned  the  delegations  from  Kentucky,  Tennes- 
see and  Ohio  to  assemble  in  the  Ladies’  Parlor,  and  thence, 
all  intermingled,  and  headed  by  the  distinguished  dignita- 
ries above  mentioned,  and  amid  the  thrilling  strains  of 
Menter’s  Band,  they  were  marshaled  into  the  Banquet 
Hall,  and  the  whole  company  were  speedily  engaged  in 
assuaging  the  fatigues  and  exciting  scenes  of  the  day  amid 
the  viands  and  abounding,  foaming  goblets  of  Ohio  wines. 

The  room  was  handsomely  decorated.  From  each  cor- 
ner there  hung  in  graceful  folds,  tri-colored  streamers  that 
converged  in  the  center  of  the  ceiling,  and  supported  a 
massive  shield,  on  which  was  traced  the  national  coat  of 
arms.  Around  the  walls,  pendant  in  pretty  festoons,  were 
the  same  harmonious  and  patriotic  colors,  behind  each  of 
whose  modest  folds  were  peeping  little  flags,  representing 
the  thirty-three  Sovereign  States.  At  the  north  end  of 
the  hall  were  three  full  length  portraits — Washington,  Clay 
and  Jackson — fittingly  draped  with  flags  and  evergreens ; 
and  there  was  perched  over  the  portrait  of  the  first,  an 
eagle,  that  seemed  as  he  glaced  from  his  eyrie,  to  patronize 
the  confraternity  of  the  three  sister  Commonwealths.  At  the 
south  end  of  the  room,  the  wall  was  devoted  to  the  follow- 
ing inscription : 

“ THE  STATES  OF  THE  UNION. 

DISTINCT  AS  THE  BILLOWS,  ONE  AS  THE  SEA. 
CINCINNATI  WELCOMES  THE  REPRESENTATIVES  OF  THE  LAND  OF 
CLAY  AND  JACKSON.” 


104 


The  tables  were  loaded  with  viands  both  of  a delicate 
and  substantial  variety.  The  bill  of  fare,  given  below,  is 
illustrative  of  the  nice  detail.  On  the  back  and  as  a kind 
of  frontispiece  to  the  tempting  morceanx  of  the  inner  sheets, 
were  the  sovereign  shields  of  Tennessee,  Kentucky  and 
and  Ohio,  encircled  with  filagree  work  in  gold. 

BILL  OF  FARE. 

Soups. — Mock  Turtle  Soup,  Oyster  Soup. 

Fish. — Baked  Bass,  Baked  Pike,  Fresh  Cod,  Lobster  Sauce. 

Oysters. — Fried  Oysters,  Oysterfc  in  Jelly,  Oysters  with  fine  Herbs,  Broiled 
Oysters,  Oysters  in  Paper  Cases,  Stewed  Oysters,  Escaloped  Oysters,  Oysters 
Baked  in  Shells,  Oysters  in  Mayonaise,  Oyster  Pie,  Pickled  Oysters,  Raw 
Oysters. 

Oold  Ornamental  Dishes. — Chicken  Salad,  Decorated;  Decorated  Ham, 
with  Jelly  ; Russian  Salad,  on  a Pedestal;  Aspic  of  Oysters,  a l’Allemande; 
Veal  Pie,  French  Fashion;  Boned  Turkey,  en  Bellevue;  Bartilon  of  Game, 
modern  style;  Mayonaise  of  Lobster,  Parisienne  style. 

Side  Dishes. — Larded  Sweetbreads,  with  Mushrooms;  Pies  Garnished,  a la 
Finnancier;  Fricasseed  Chickens,  a la  Chevalier;  Aspic  of  Lamb’s  Brains, 
decorated;  Fillets  of  Beef,  larded  a la  Jardinere;  Calf’s  Head,  a la  Esturgeon; 
Escalope  of  Salmon,  with  Jelley;  Turkey  Wings,  a la  Britannia;  Salme  of 
Prairie  Chickens,  au  Forme;  Larded  Fricandeau  of  Veal;  Tomato  Sauce;  Ge- 
lantine  of  Young  Chickens,  en  Aspic;  Fillets  of  Perch,  a la  Victorie;  Breaded 
Mutton  Cutlets,  English  fashion;  Queen  Fritters,  flavored  with  Orange;  Tem- 
ple of  Macaroni,  with  Cheese;  Fillets  of  Venison,  larded,  Game  Sauce;  Pala- 
tine of  Lamb,  stuffed  a la  Flamande;  Ribs  of  Beef,  Braissee,  au  Madeira. 

Botled. — Turkeys,  Oyster  Sauce;  Boiled  Chickens;  Tongue,  Leg  of  Mut- 
ton, Caper  Sauce;  Ham;  Jole. 

Roast. — Beef;  Phipps’  Ham,  Champagne  Sauce  ; Lamb:  Turkey,  Giblet 
Sauce;  Leg  and  Saddle  of  Mutton;  Geese. 

Game. — Wild  Turkeys  ; Leg  and  Saddle  of  Venison;  Venison  Steaks;  Prai- 
rie Chickens. 

Relishes. — Pickles,  Cold  Slaw,  Stuffed  Olives,  Apple  Sauce,  Current  Jelly, 
Sardines,  Pickled  Beets,  Horse  Raddish,  Celery,  Cranberry  Sauce,  Pickled  On- 
ions, Hot  Slaw. 

Vegetables. — Boiled  Macaroni,  Boiled  Rice,  Baked  Potatoes,  Parsnips, 
Sour-krout,  Boiled  Potatoes,  Onions,  Beets,  Oyster-plant,  Squash,  Sweet  Pota- 
toes, Cabbage,  Mashed  Potatoes,  Turnips. 

Pastry. — Apple  Pies,  Bread  Puddings,  Charlotte  Russe,  Peach  Pies,  Black- 
berry Pies,  Cream  Maringues,  Rum  Jelly. 

Confectionery. — Rose  Drops,  Maccaroons,  Lemon  Icing  Cakes,  Jelly  Cakes, 
Lady  Fingers,  Almond  Puffs,  Kisses,  Union  Stars. 

Ornaments. — Coat  of  Arms  of  Tennessee,  Kentucky  and  Ohio,  Crystal 
Pyramids. 


105 


Dessert. — Apples,  Oranges,  Raisins,  Figs,  Prunes,  Brazil  Nuts,  Hickory 
Nuts,  Pecan  Nuts,  Almonds,  Vanilla  Ice  Cream,  Filberts. 

Coffee. 

The  company  from  its  vastness  was  soon  resolved  into 
fifty  lesser  ones,  each  of  which  with  its  introductions  of 
new  acquaintance,  shaking  of  hands,  pledging  of  healths  and 
glowing  jollity,  was  a banquet  of  itself.  All  over  the  hall 
might  be  seen  groups,  in  some  of  which  all  were  standing 
with  their  glasses  raised  to  the  center,  pledging  some  im- 
promptu toast,  whilst  in  others  some  inspired  orator,  un- 
able any  longer  to  restrain  his  ardor,  was  pouring  forth  the 
intense  feelings  with  which  all  hearts  were  sympathetic, 
and  ready,  to  applaud  to  the  echo. 

In  the  midst  of  the  war  of  hilarity  and  corks,  and  be- 
fore beginning  the  regular  toasts,  his  honor  the  Mayor  an- 
nounced that  Govorner  Dennison  had  just  received  a dis- 
patch which  he  desired  Mr.  King  to  read. 

Mr.  King  passed  to  the  center  of  the  hall  and  mounted 
the  table.  After  requesting  order,  he  said : “ To  show  how 
this  electrical  fire  is  spreading  over  our  country,  I am  re- 
quested by  Governor  Dennison  to  read  the  following  dis- 
patch, just  received  from  the  Governor  of  New  York : 

Executive  Chamber,  Albany,  N.  Y.  1 
January  27,  1860.  j 

Governor  Dennison,  of  Ohio  : 

The  Legislature  of  this  State  has  just  passed  the  following 
resolution,  unanimously : 

Resolved , That  the  Governor  be  requested  to  extend  to  the 
Governors  and  Legislatures  of  the  States  of  Kentucky  and 
Tennessee,  now  on  a visit  to  the  capital  of  Ohio,  and  to  the 
Governor  and  Legislature  of  the  State  of  Ohio,  a cordial  invi- 
tation to  visit  this  capital  as  the  guests  of  this  State. 

I add  the  expression  of  my  earnest  hope  that  the  invita- 


106 


tion  hereby  extended  may  be  accepted.  Please  communicate 
the  above  to  the  parties  concerned. 

E.  D.  Morgan. 

The  reading  of  this  dispatch  created  the  wildest  confu- 
sion and  uproar.  Nearly  every  guest,  of  the  thousand 
present,  rose  to  his  feet  and  shouted  : 66  Let  us  accept.” 
“ We  will  go.”  “ Good  for  New  York.”  “ Let  us  not  stop 
until  we  reach  Washington.” 

Mr.  King  inquired  whether  it  was  necessary  to  put  the 
question,  and  the  reply,  “ No,  No,”  arose  with  a tremend- 
ous shout,  which  rang  through  the  hall  and  fairly  made  the 
building  tremble. 

After  repeated  efforts,  the  regular  order  of  proceedings 
was  resumed,  and  the  Mayor  read  the  first  Toast ; 

1.  The  Fame  of  Washington — A legacy  too  great  and  too 
glorious  to  belong  to  anything  less  than  the  whole  Continent : 
It  shall  never  be  divided. 

This  toast  was  drank  in  silence  and  standing. 

Music — “ Washington’s  March.” 

Judge  Johnston,  of  Cincinnati,  was  then  called  upon  by 
the  Mayor  to  announce  the  next  regular  toast,  and  he  pre- 
faced it  thus ; 

Plow  old  this  country  was  or  how  many  thousand  years  it 
should  continue  to  exist,  we  could  not  say,  but  this  thing  we 
do  know,  that  the  Almighty  intended  it  for  the  site  of  a 
great  and  mighty  nation.  God  had  sifted  the  wheat  out  of  all 
nations  to  sow  it  here,  that  it  might  produce  a superior  crop. 

Out  of  the  original  thirteen  little  colonies  has  grown  up  a 
mighty  and  powerful  empire.  Here  civil  and  religious  liberty 
were  first  planted.  The  first  act  of  civil  liberty  was  under 
Lord  Baltimore.  Since  then  our  fathers  have  fought  for  and 


107 


maintained  that  freedom.  He  then  referred  to  our  federal 
Constitution,  our  federal  treasury,  our  federal  army  and  federal 
courts,  and  said  that  everything  that  we  had  that  was  valuable 
was  acquired  by  confederation.  The  geographical  position  of 
our  country,  our  climate  and  soil,  the  capacity  of  our  country 
to  produce  all  the  necessaries  and  luxuries  of  life,  the  ad- 
vancement that  had  been  made  in  art,  and  manufactures  in 
this  country,  had  made  us  independent  of  the  whole  world,  but 
while  independent  of  the  whole  world,  we  were  not  independ- 
ent of  one  another,  but  stand  together  as  so  many  brothers 
banded  together  in  one  confederacy. 

Mr.  Johnston  then  read  the  following  sentiment : 

2.  To  her  elder  sisters,  Kentucky  and  Tennessee : — Ohio’s 
two  millions  of  people,  in  her  metropolis  to-night,  bid  you 
welcome  to  their  homes  and  their  hearts ; and  with  one  voice 
proclaim  a perpetual  era  of  good  feeling  to  the  whole  house” 
hold  of  the  Confederacy. 

Music — “ Old  Kentucky  Home.” 

Senator  Fisk,  of  Kentucky,  responded  for  that  State. 
He  said : 

Gentlemen  of  Tennessee — Gentlemen  of  Kentucky : 

Ohio,  in  the  name  of  her  two  millions  of  people,  bids  the 
Representatives  of  Kentucky  and  Tennessee  welcome  to  their 
homes  and  their  hearts. 

In  the  name  of  Tennessee  and  Kentucky,  citizens  of  Ohio, 
we  most  heartily  thank  you  for  the  generous  and  noble  wel- 
come you  have  extended  to  us  to-night.  The  eyes  of  the  na- 
tion are  turned  hopefully  upon  this  fraternal  meeting  of  the 
four  great  States  of  the  Mississippi  Valley.  We  have  just 
heard  read  an  invitation  from  the  Empire  State  to  visit  its 
Capital.  New  York  is  no  longer  the  Empire  State.  The 
West  is  the  Empire  State.  I repeat  it,  sir,  the  West  is  the 
Empire  State. 


108 


While  Congress  is  disorganized,  and  members  on  the  floor 
of  the  House  are  fiercely  shaking  their  fists  in  each  others 
faces,  and  uttering  sentiments  disloyal  to  the  Union,  we,  the 
Representatives  of  four  powerful  representative  and  controll- 
ing States,  are  met  in  friendly  concord  around  the  festive 
board. 

The  people  of  the  country  will  look  on  that  picture  and 
then  on  this,  and  demand  of  Congress  to  organize  and  give 
peace  to  the  nation. 

What  idle  nonsense  in  these  men  at  Washington,  to  talk 
about  dissolving  the  Union.  Why,  sir,  if  the  country  really 
believed  they  were  in  earnest,  and  that  they  would  attempt 
such  a thing,  in  less  than  four  days  wTe  would  surround  the 
Capital  with  a million  of  people.  I tell  you,  Mr.  Chairman, 
we  will  not  allow  this  Union  to  be  dissolved. 

Here  we  stand  in  the  presence  of  the  immortal  Washing- 
ton (pointing  to  a portrait),  the  Father  of  this  hallowed  coun- 
try— not  of  one  State — of  Virginia,  of  Tennessee,  of  Ken- 
tucky, of  Indiana  or  of  Ohio  alone,  but  of  all  the  thirty-three, 
filled  with  Union-loving  people.  There  stands  Jackson,  also 
(pointing  to  his  portrait),  who  said,  “ the  Union  must  and 
shall  be  preserved.”  There  stands  Henry  Clay  (pointing  to 
his  portrait).  A few  miles  below  this  city,  at  North  Bend, 
is  the  tomb  of  Harrison.  Can  you  dissolve  the  Union  in  the 
presence  of  Washington,  Jackson,  Clay  and  Harrison?  The 
memoirs  of  the  Revolution  and  our  subsequent  history  cluster 
thick  around  us  at  the  mention  of  these  great  names.  Time 
would  fail  me,  should  I attempt  to  enumerate  the  great  events 
that  have  transpired  in  our  country,  and  the  distinguished 
men  who  have  made  these  events  memorable  by  their  valor, 
their  eloquence  and  their  patriotism.  Their  deeds  have  passed 
into  history,  their  fame  has  gone  throughout  the  world,  and 
their  memories  are  cherished  not  only  by  the  individual  States 
that  gave  them  birth,  but  by  the  people  of  the  whole  Union ; 
that  Union  they  so  dearly  loved  and  nobly  served;  that  great 
and  united  country  they  handed  down  to  us,  with  the  strict 
injunction  to  hand  it  down  to  the  next  generation  unimpaired. 


109 


And,  sir,  to  that  Union,  in  principle,  as  our  fathers  made  it, 
let  us  this  night  say  esto  perpetua. 

We,  of  the  center  and  the  West,  can  and  will  hold  this 
Union  together.  Who  shall  forbid  the  Alleghany  and  Mon- 
ongahela  to  flow  into  the  Ohio?  the  Ohio  and  Missouri,  with 
their  hundred  branches,  to  flow  into  the  Mississippi?  and  the 
the  noble  Mississippi  to  bear  his  union  flood  into  the  Gulf? 
Who  can  separate  Pennsylvania,  New  York  and  Virginia, 
Ohio  and  Kentucky,  Indiana,  Tennessee,  and  all  the  States 
bordering  upon  the  Ohio,  Missouri,  Mississippi,  and  their 
branches?  Who  can  separate  the  millions  who  live  and  trade 
and  travel  together  as  friends  and  neighbors  upon  the  twenty 
thousand  miles  of  navigable  rivers  of  the  Great  Valley?  It 
can  not  be  done,  sir.  I repeat  it,  it  can  not  be  done.  United 
we  have  stood  by  the  Union,  united  we  stand  by  the  Union 
now,  and  united  our  descendants  will,  in  the  same  spirit,  stand 
by  the  Union  until  the  mission  of  the  human  family  on  the 
earth  shall  be  accomplished,  and  time  itself  shall  be  merged 
in  eternity. 

We  love  the  original  thirteen  and  their  descendants;  we  love 
our  adopted  sisters;  we  love  the  past  history  and  glory  of  the 
Republic;  we  love  its  expanded  and  still  expanding  greatness; 
we  love  our  mountains,  our  broad  and  fertile  plains,  our  bright 
streams,  great  lakes  and  broad  rivers,  our  institutions  of  learn 
ing  and  benevolence,  our  arts  and  sciences,  of  all  sections  : to- 
gether they  form  the  germ  of  our  national  greatness ; that 
which  gives  us  the  first  place  among  the  great,  powerful  and 
enlightened  nations  of  the  earth. 

I see  arranged  around  this  Hall,  sir,  the  names  and  the 
garlands  of  the  thirty-three  States.  We  are  all  here.  Shall 
either  one  of  them  be  cast  out?  Who  will  name  the  rejected 
States?  In  the  early  days  of  New  Hampshire,  as  history  relates, 
it  happened  that  the  Indians  entered  a village  where  resided  a 
man  named  Dunstan;  the  Indians  fired  his  dwelling,  took  his 
wife  prisoner,  killed  his  babe  in  his  sight;  with  five  other  chil- 
dren, his  horse  and  his  gun,  he  retreated,  followed  by  the  In- 
dians. Finding  the  savages  nearing  him  and  his  children,  he 


110 


alighted,  resolved  to  seize  one  of  his  children,  mount  his  horse 
and  flee  from  his  pursuers.  He  dismounted  among  his  five 
children,  but  which  should  he  take,  and  which  four  should  he 
leave  behind  to  the  cruelty  of  the  savages?  His  resolution 
failed  him — he  loved  them  all.  When  the  moment  for  sepa- 
ration came,  his  arms  were  paralyzed ; he  could  take  none  A 
new  resolution  he  formed,  to  save  all  or  die  in  the  attempt. 
All  were  saved. 

Mr.  Chairman,  Kentucky  can  not  give  up  either  of  the 
States.  She  is  ready  to  stake  life,  property  and  honor  for 
the  defense  of  all  her  sisters.  She  has  inscribed  it  upon  her 
block  in  the  monument  to  the  memory  of  Washington,  “ That 
under  the  teachings  of  Washington  and  the  auspices  of  Heaven, 
Kentucky  will  be  the  last  to  give  up  the  Union.” 

I expect,  if  not  within  my  own  time,  at  least  within  that  of 
my  children,  the  thirty-three  sovereign  States  will  be  in- 
creased to  half  a hundred. 

Again  I say  to  the  people  of  Ohio,  we  love  your  patriotism; 
we  love  your  great  State;  we  love  you ; and  here,  in  the  pres- 
ence of  Washington,  with  the  flag  of  this  great  country  above 
us,  we  pledge  ourselves  that  the  Union  shall  be  preserved. 

Mr.  Pickett,  of  the  House  of  Representatives  of  Ten- 
nessee, then  arose,  and,  on  behalf  of  that  State,  re- 
sponding to  the  same  toast,  made  a speech  that  elicited 
the  warmest  plaudits  from  the  audience.  We  were,  how- 
ever, owing  to  the  confusion  around  us,  unable  to  catch  all 
he  said.  He  spoke  of  his  having  been  for  a number  of 
years  actively  engaged  in  politics  in  his  own  State,  and  of 
his  never  having  before  witnessed  such  a patriotic  expres- 
sion on  the  part  of  any  people  as  in  Ohio.  When  he  heard 
the  booming  of  cannon  in  this  State,  did  he  find  alienation 
on  the  part  of  the  people  ? No.  But  they  met  him  with 
open  arms.  So  firmly  would  such  feelings  cement  this 
Union,  that  nothing  would  effect  its  destruction. 


Ill 


Mr.  Speaker  Newman,  of  Tennessee,  made  the  following 
announcement 

In  the  name  of  Tennessee,  we,  the  Representatives,  invite 
the  Executive  and  the  Legislature  of  the  people  of  Ohio,  to 
come  to  Tennessee,  and  accept  of  our  hospitalities. 

Governor  Magoffin  stated  that  the  people  of  Kentucky 
had  invited  the  Legislature  of  Ohio,  to  visit  them,  but  in- 
asmuch as  the  Legislature  is  in  session,  and  the  invitation 
coming  at  so  late  an  hour,  they  found  their  duty  to  their 
constituents  prevented  them  from  accepting  it.  He  hoped, 
however,  that  at  some  subsequent  day  the  invitation  would 
be  accepted,  and  the  people  of  Kentucky  would  show  how 
they  reciprocated  their  hospitality. 

The  third  toast  was  read,  as  follows : 

3.  Indiana — Our  Sister  State,  cemented  to  us  by  our  com- 
mon blood  shed  upon  her  soil. 

Music — ■“  March  to  the  battle  field.” 

Responded  to  by  Gorden  Tanner,  Esq.,  of  Indiana. 

After  a brief  preface,  Mr.  Tanner  said  : 

Indiana  intends  to  say  she  is  for  the  union  of  these  States, 
and  will  spend  her  money  and  blood,  if  need  be  to  preserve 
it.  When  the  time  comes  for  action,  if  it  ever  come,  her 
voice,  her  eloquence,  her  bullets,  will  be  found  for  the  united 
North-west.  So  .far  as  I can  speak  for  Indiana,  I return 
thanks  for  the  magnificent  ovation  which  her  humble  Repre- 
sentatives have  received  at  your  hands.  Never  have  I in  my 
life  seen,  and  never  expect  to  again,  anything  like  the  de- 
monstration made  to-day  by  the  glorious  State  of  Ohio. 

We  will  go  home  to  Indiana,  and  will  tell  her  people  the 
honor  done  to  her  Representatives;  and  I assure  you,  at  some 
future  time,  when  the  people  of  the  States  of  Ohio,  Kentucky, 


112 


Tennessee,  of  Illinois,  of  the  whole  North-west,  indicate  their 
intention  to  visit  our  State,  they  will  receive  a warm  recep- 
tion. We  have  the  money  to  do  it,  we  have  the  heart  to  d r, 
it,  and  will  do  it,  so  help  me  God. 

4.  The  Governor  and  Legislature  of  Ohio — The  Queen 
City  tenders  her  allegiance  to  the  sovereignty  of  the  State. 

Responded  to  by  Hon.  Robert  C.  Kirk,  Lieut,  Governor, 
and  Hon.  R.  C.  Parsons,  Speaker  of  the  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives. 

Music  by  Menter’s  band. 

LIEU T.  GOVERNOR  KIRK’S  SPEECH. 

Gentlemen  of  Kentucky  and  Tennessee. 

The  present  occasion  is  one  which  causes  the  heart  to 
beat  quickly,  and  the  mind  to  portray  high  hopes  for  the 
future.  To  meet  and  mingle  as  we  do  now,  for  the  purpose 
of  interchanging  thoughts,  will  generate  that  confidence,  and 
renew  that  fraternal  feeling  which  should  naturally  exist  be- 
tween members  of  the  same  great  Confederacy,  but  which 
has  been  alienated  by  the  baneful  influence  of  party  spirit ; 
that  kind  of  party  spirit  which  the  good,  the  great,  the  im- 
mortal Washington,  so  much  dreaded.  Never  has  my  heart 
gloried  with  so  much  pride  for  the  people  of  my  native  State, 
as  to-day.  Who  could  witness  this  spontaneous  outburst  of 
popular  feeling  among  the  masses,  and  doubt  the  loyalty  of  our 
people  to  the  Union.  The  deep  feeling  manifested  by  them 
to-day,  should  impress  you  with  their  fealty  to  our  glorious 
Confederacy.  The  thought  of  disunion  has  never  entered 
their  honest  hearts  for  one  moment.  They  have  sworn  that 
this  Union  shall  remain  and  continue  while  time  itself  shall 
last,  and  they  declare  here  to-night,  that  all  the  powers  of 
hell  can  not  move  it;  and  why?  Because  they  know  it  eman- 
ated from  God,  and  has  its  home  in  the  hearts  of  honest  men. 
They  say  in  the  language  of  the  poet : 


113 


“ Thou,  too,  move  on,  0 ! Ship  of  State, 

Move  on,  0 ! Union,  strong  and  great; 

Humanity,  with  all  its  fears, 

With  all  its  hopes  of  years, 

Is  hanging  breathless  on  thy  fate. 

We  know  what  master  laid  tliy  keel, 

What  workmen  wrought  thy  bits  of  steel, 

Who  made  each  mast,  each  sail,  and  rope, 

What  anvils  rang,  what  hammers  beat. 

In  what  a forge,  and  what  a heat 
Were  shaped  the  anchors  of  thy  hope.” 

It  has  been  written,  as  it  were  with  the  finger  of  God,  in 
glaring  capitals  of  living  light,  in  characters  of  unalterable 
brightness  upon  the  margin  of  the  heavens,  that  this  Union 
shall  be  perpetual,  and  it  brands  that  man  as  a traitor  who 
will  give  utterance  to  the  accursed  thought  of  disunion.  As 
the  Representative  of  an  intelligent  people,  I say  to  you,  they 
know  and  feel  the  cost,  and  consequent  value  of  this  Confed- 
eration of  States.  They  know  that  this  beautiful  superstruc- 
ture of  self-government  is  based  upon  the  immovable  founda- 
tion of  equity  and  truth ; that  its  apex  reaches  the  heavens, 
and  is  crowned  by  the  blessing  of  God.  They  know,  too,  the 
power  of  the  great  truth,  that  we  are  children  of  the  same 
kind  parents,  brothers  of  the  same  blood,  and  joint  heirs  to 
the  same  rich  legacy,  secured  to  us  by  the  heroic  virtues  of  our 
patriotic  fathers.  I say  to  you,  Brothers  of  Kentucky  and  Ten- 
nessee, in  behalf  of  Ohio’s  sons,  farewell,  and  they  hope  this 
reunion  will  long  be  remembered  as  an  important  one  in  our 
history;  and  we  also  hope  that  we  may  meet  in  the  future, 
with  the  same  fraternal  feeling  that  has  characterized  your 
visit  to  our  State.  May  the  discordant  note  of  disunion  be 
forever  hushed,  and  may  peace,  contentment,  and  happiness 
pervade  our  land. 

MR.  SPEAKER  PARSONS’  SPEECH. 

Mr.  President: 

While  I cheerfully  respond,  on  behalf  of  the  Legislature 
of  the  State  of  Ohio,  to  the  toast  that  has  just  been  read,  I 


114 


suppose,  sir,  I shall  be  strictly  in  order,  if  I do  not  confine  my- 
self exclusively  to  the  text.  Sir,  I can  not  refrain,  as  I cast 
my  eyes  over  this  vast  assembly,  gathered  as  it  is  from  so 
many  States  of  this  Union,  from  expressing  the  pride  and 
satisfaction  I feel  at  this  fraternal  and  ennobling  spectacle. 
Sir,  I should  be  recreant  to  my  duty,  did  I not,  in  the  name 
of  the  House  of  Representatives,  whose  servant  I am,  and  in 
the  name  of  the  Legislature,  bid  you  welcome  to  the  hospital- 
ities of  the  State  of  Ohio.  Sir,  the  States  of  Kentucky,  Ten- 
nessee, Indiana  and  Ohio,  are  so  intimately  connected  by  the 
ties  of  blood,  of  neighborhood,  and  the  early  struggles  and 
hardships  of  their  pioneers  and  patriots,  that  a common  his- 
tory, and  a common  interest  endear  them  to  each  other.  The 
kindly  and  affectionate  feeling  with  which  the  people  of  Ohio 
regard  the  people  of  her  sister  States,  has  been  strikingly 
displayed  all  along  the  route  we  have  traveled  this  day.  I 
ask  you,  gentlemen  of  Kentucky  and  Tennessee,  if  you  have 
not  witnessed  \*  the  magnificent  ovation  paid  you  this  day, 
from  the  time  you  left  our  capital,  until  the  present  moment, 
the  spontaneous,  hearty,  and  overwhelming  testimonial  of 
the  regard  of  the  people  of  Ohio,  toward  the  people  of  her 
sister  States  ? I put  it  to  you,  gentlemen  of  Kentucky  and 
Tennessee,  if  the  children,  scarcely  two  years  old,  in  their 
mother’s  arms  (and  we  have  seen  thousands  of  them  to-day), 
have  not  shaken  their  little  hands  in  your  faces,  and  bid  you 
welcome  and  God-speed  ? Aye,  so  it  is,  sir — so  it  will  ever 
be — Ohio  and  her  children  love  this  Union,  and  will  maintain 
it  as  their  fathers  gave  it. 

Mr.  President — I have  been  asked  to-day,  whether  this 
same  cordial  hospitality  would  have  been  extended  to  these, 
our  guests,  had  they  passed  to  the  northern  part  of  our  State, 
to  the  beautiful  city  upon  the  Lake  Shore.  Sir,  I take  pride 
and  satisfaction  in  answering  that  question.  Sir,  my  home 
and  a part  of  my  constituents  dwell  in  that  beautiful  city — 
in  the  heart  of  the  Western  Reserve.  I have  the  honor  of 
representing  seventy-five  thousand  of  those  people,  on  the 
floor  of  our  House  of  Representatives.  Sir,  the  people  of 


115 


the  Reserve  are  the  descendants  of  the  people  of  Massachu- 
setts and  Connecticut.  They  need  no  eulogy  from  me.  They 
have  their  own  ideas  of  right  and  wrong,  their  own  views 
upon  all  and  every  subject,  and  dare  maintain  them  when 
they  believe  them  right,  at  every  hazard.  But,  sir,  however 
much  they  may  differ  from  our  friends  upon  some  subjects — 
when  it  comes  to  the  sacred  rights  of  hospitality — when  it 
comes  to  a question  of  expressing  a fraternal  and  cordial 
good  will  to  their  brethern  of  sister  States — then,  sir,  their 
hearts  and  their  homes  are  spread  wide  open,  and  their  hos- 
pitality is  second  to  none  on  the  face  of  the  globe.  And,  sir, 
they  are  as  loyal  to  the  Union  of  these  States,  as  they  are  to 
their  God! 

Mr.  President — Ours  is  a partnership  in  these  great  States 
of  the  Mississippi  Valley,  that  like  that  of  the  boy  and  his 
sister  in  the  kitten — can  not  be  divided.  A little  boy  and 
girl  agreed  to  divide  the  ownership  of  a kitten  between  them, 
and  the  tail  end  of  the  bargain  fell  to  the  boy.  Shortly  after 
the  kitten  was  heard  mewing  frightfully,  and  the  little  girl 
sprang  to  the  rescue,  inquiring  what  was  the  matter  ? 0, 

nothing  at  all  says  the  boy;  I only  trod  on  my  part  of  kitty, 
and  your  part  hollered.  So  it  is  with  us.  If  a blow  is  aimed 
at  the  interests  of  either  of  these  States,  the  others  feel  it  and 
will  resent  the  wrong. 

Menter’s  Band,  by  request,  played  the  Anvil  Chorus, 
“ bringing  down  the  house.” 

Nicholas  Longworth,  Esq.,  sent  word  that  he  would  keep 
open  house,  during  the  morning  of  Saturday,  to  the  guests. 
It  was  enthusiastically  greeted. 

A flag  was  sent  into  the  hall,  just  at  this  time,  with  the 
following  note,  the  reading  of  which  was  received  with  en- 
thusiastic cheers : 

“ This  Flag  belonged  to  the  barge  Triton.  On  the 
23d  of  December,  1814,  the  day  the  British  came  from 


116 


the  Lake  to  the  Mississippi,  the  Triton  was  sent  from  New 
Orleans  across  the  river  to  bring  over  the  United  States  44th 
Regiment,  then  stationed  on  that  side  of  the  river.  When  the 
regiment  arrived,  the  flags  were  hoisted  amid  the  most  en- 
thusiastic cheering  of  the  men. 

“ The  Triton  was  a brig-rigged  barge,  or  vessel,  owned  by 
Baum  & Wallace,  and  employed  in  the  trade  between  New 
Orleans  and  Cincinnati,  burden  one  hundred  and  thirty  tuns, 
and  drawing  five  feet  water.  On  going  in  company  of  two 
other  barges,  they  overtook  General  Carroll’s  Division  at  Fort 
Pickering — now  Memphis.  The  flags  were  hoisted  and  a 
salute  fired,  and  the  compliment  returned  by  the  Tennes- 
seeans with  hearty  cheers.”  / 

The  flag  was  made  in  the  autumn  of  1811,  by  a party 
of  Cincinnati  ladies,  and  presented  to  Messrs.  Baum  and 
Wallace. 

The  following  toast  was  then  read  : 

5.  Memphis,  Nashville,  Louisville,  Cincinnati,  Columbus — 
Not  quite  a straight  line;  but  Cincinnati  straight,  and  proud 
to  welcome  her  sister  municipalities. 

The  Mayor  of  Nashville,  Mr.  Hollingsworth,  responded 
saying  : 

“ Enough  has  been  said  of  the  union  of  the  States,  and  it 
becomes  my  duty  to  speak  of  the  union  of  cities.  The  great 
cities  mentioned  are  not  perhaps  in  the  geometrical  line,  but 
I think  they  are  straight  enough;  while  the  politicians  who 
are  present  have  said  enough  to  set  the  Union  right,  I deem 
it  prudent  and  proper  that  the  representatives  of  the  great 
commercial  metropolis  of  these  States  should  say  that  the 
commercial  line  is  not  broken — while  the  Union  is  being 
saved,  it  is  necessary  that  the  commercial  emporiums  should 
be  looked  to.  The  commercial  intercourse  heretofore  existing 
between  Nashville  and  Cincinnati  has  been  most  satisfactory, 


117 


and  as  I hope  profitable,  and  I believe  and  hope  that  such  will 
be  continued.  I believe  nothing  in  the  shape  of  fanatics 
of  the  North  or  hotspurs  of  the  South  can  deter  us  from 
devotion  to  the  Union,  and  from  the  friendly  relations  which 
now  we  exhibit. 

Mr.  Mayor  Crawford,  of  Louisville,  eschewed  speech- 
making, and  called  upon  Mr.  Pennebaker,  Representative 
of  Louisville,  in  the  Legislature,  to  rise  and  speak  for  her 
and  him  both,  which  Mr.  Pennebaker  did  in  a brief  and 
handsome  manner. 

Thereupon  the  Mayor  of  Cincinnati  called  upon  Mr. 
Eggleston,  President  of  the  City  Council,  to  prove  that 
Cincinnati  is  “ straight.” 

Mr.  Eggleston  rose  and  replied : 

This  was  the  last  place  at  which  I expected  to  he  called  out 
to  make  a speech,  but  it  has  been  peremptorily  said  to  me 
that  I must  respond  for  this  little  village  of  Cincinnati. 

This  festival  that  has  been  given  to  these  four  States  is 
well  worthy  of  our  consideration.  This  is  one  of  those  occa- 
sions that  this  company  has  never  seen  before ! When  we 
look  around  to  see  what  we  are,  we  have  reason  to  be  proud, 
for  we  remember  that  it  is  hut  a few  years  ago  that]  Vir- 
ginia brought  forward  another  daughter,  after  Kentucky  was 
born,  and  sent  her  out  into  the  great  North-west,  and  from 
her  we  have  risen.  Now  we  have  been  inviting  our  sister 
cities  to  come  in  and  see  our  progress,  and  to  have  a jovial 
time,  and  a good  time. 

It  affords  me  great  pleasure  to  greet  you  all.  We  are  next 
born  to  Kentucky,  and  Tennessee  is  our  neighbor.  We  are 
not  strangers.  I trust  we  have  proved  to  them  that  we  are 
not.  I trust  that  we  have  proved  to  them  that  we  are  their 
friends,  and  that  we  will  stand  by  them  while  they  protect 
the  great  charter  of  our  liberties.  This  demonstration  to  be 
sure  is  a small  one,  but  I tell  you  we  had  hut  a little  time  to 


]18 


get  it  up.  If  you  had  but  given  us  a week  or  so  that  we 
could  get  our  people  out,  we  would  have  shown  you  an  old  fash- 
ioned demonstration ; but  we  hope  you  will  not  let  this  be 
your  last  visit.  We  intend  to  invite  you  again  on  some  fu- 
ture day,  and  then  I think  we  will  show  what  a Cincinnati 
crowd  can  do. 

At  this  point,  the  Hon.  John  Young  Brown,  the 
youthful  member  of  Congress  elect,  from  Kentucky,  yet 
debarred  by  his  years  from  taking  his  seat,  was  vocifer- 
ously called  out,  and  on  rising  was  hailed  with  applause. 

SPEECH  OF  HON.  JOHN  YOUNG  BROWN. 

My  Countrymen: 

I cordially  thank  you  for  the  flattering  call  you  have  made 
upon  me,  and  greet  you,  to-night,  with  feelings  of  profound 
pride  and  satisfaction.  I hail  this  demonstration  as  an  addi- 
tional assurance  of  the  perpetuity  of  this  great  Union,  of 
which  we  are  common  members. 

As  I approached  your  beautiful  city  from  Louisville,  there 
was  a welcome  came  from  the  shores  of  Ohio  that  was  an- 
swered back  from  Kentucky,  and  the  echoes  of  those  cannon 
mingled  together  and  went  up  to  heaven.  Thank  God  those 
guns  were  unshotted — they  rang  out  a salvo  of  peace  and 
friendship,  and  no  tocsin  of  fraternal  war.  Tennessee  and 
Kentucky,  and  Ohio  and  Indiana,  by  their  representative  men 
are  here  to-night,  gentlemen,  in  the  bonds  of  mutual  love  and 
devotion  to  our  common  country,  colossal  as  it  is  in  charac- 
ter, and  precious  for  the  incalculable  blessings  it  secures  to  us 
as  its  citizens. 

Man  is  an  epitome  of  wonder.  There  are  majesty  and 
beauty  in  his  form  ; splendor  and  potency  in  his  mind.  His 
restless  energies  have  bridged  the  deep — pushed  far  and  wide 
the  conquests  of  civilization  ; enriched  him  with  the  treasures 
of  earth ; made  the  desert  to  bloom  as  the  rose ; his  genius 
roams  conquering  through  space,  and  has  wrung  from  nature’s 


119 


secret  realms  almost  all  that  would  make  him  great ; and 
standing  thus,  proud  and  powerful,  crowned  with  so  many 
triumphs  of  science  and  art,  the  American  can  boast  that  his 
ancestors’  brave  hearts  and  strong  arms  won  the  right  to 
make  and  their  wisdom  fashioned  a Constitution — the  grand- 
est offspring  of  human  reason,  under  which  our  people  have 
reached  man’s  highest  earthly  estate,  and  his  fullest  and  most 
perfect  development  of  manhood.  The  citizen  moves  upon 
our  soil  proud  and  free,  feeling  the  possession  of  those  high 
qualities  and  rights  which  were  vouchsafed  to  him  by  his 
Creator,  and  the  incentives  of  the  essence  of  divinity  that 
approximate  him  to  his  immaculate  model. 

As  our  destinies  are  so  high  and  our  liberties  so  great,  it 
devolves  upon  us,  here  and  now,  in  this  hour  of  peril,  to  look 
to  the  worth  of  our  sires  ; to  be  about  the  work  of  the  Union, 
by  preserving  which  we  can  go  down  to  the  tomb,  as  we  have 
lived,  to  boast  the  most  splendid  history  that  ever  graced  the 
page  of  time.  It  behooves  us  to  look  about  it ; that  wise 
action  and  temperate  counsel  may  guide  and  enable  us  to 
pass  through  the  danger  now  around  us,  as  we  have  through 
all  those  which,  in  times  past,  have  threatened  our  country. 
(Immense  applause.) 

I saw  to-day,  the  workman  from  his  shop,  the  merchant 
from  his  desk,  the  lawyer  from  his  office,  the  minister  from 
his  study,  men  of  every  occupation,  mingling  in  one  grand 
crowd  to  welcome  the  delegations  from  Tennessee,  Kentucky 
and  Indiana.  We  can  not  appropriate  that  compliment  to 
ourselves ; it  was  no  testimonial  to  Kentucky ; it  was  no  meed 
of  honor  to  Tennessee;  it  was  not  a token  of  respect  for  In- 
diana, but  one  great  ovation,  one  noble  outpouring  of  the 
broad,  popular  heart  of  Ohio,  testifying  to  the  love  for  the 
Union  of  our  country — the  Union  and  the  Constitution. 

(Applause  which  prevented  the  speaker  from  proceeding 
and  three  cheers  given  for  Ohio.) 

The  women  were  there  with  their  sweet  smiles,  with  eyes 
brightened  and  hearts  bounding  with  the  patriotic  inspiration 
of  the  occasion  ; aye,  even  the  little  children  ran  along, 


120 


clapping  their  innocent  hands  with  joy — for  what?  To  hail 
the  flag  of  the  Union — to  commend  our  love,  our  Union  and 
our  Constitution. 

I have  read  somewhere  in  history  or  poetic  legend,  that  a 
Swiss  mother  once  saw  her  darling  child  ranging  on  the  Alps, 
watching  an  eagle  in  its  flight.  He  was  in  danger,  yet  she 
dare  not  follow  to  his  rescue,  lest,  fleeing  from  her  in  his 
wanton  play,  he  should  be  dashed  down  the  lofty  precipice. 
She  thought,  and  in  the  quick  invention  of  maternal  love, 
tore  the  covering  from  her  breast,  and  baring  her  blushing 
bosom  to  her  boy,  she  beckoned  him ; the  truant  smiled, 
rushed  to  her  loving  arms  and  was  safe  ; and  when  the  guard- 
ian Genius  of  American  Liberty  and  the  Union — which  is  the 
mother  of  all  our  greatness — that  genius  that  presided  at 
Lexington  and  Bunker  Hill — that  was  present  when  the  can- 
non of  Yorktown  boomed — that  was  abroad  at  the  old  capital 
of  the  Montezumas,  when  our  victorious  banner  was  unrolled 
there — stands  now  at  your  National  Capital,  with  the  Consti- 
tution of  the  country  in  one  hand,  and  the  Flag  of  the 
Union  in  the  other  (cheers),  beckoning  you,  by  the  names 
and  bones  of  your  sires,  your  common  battle-fields,  and  all 
the  proud  traditions  and  glorious  history  of  the  past,  to 
stand  together  in  your  strength,  without  distinction  of  North 
or  of  South,  a living  breastwork  in  defense  of  this  grandest 
achievement  of  human  patriotism.  (Great  applause.)  Will 
not  Ohio,  Kentucky  and  Tennessee,  and  all  the  other  States 
of  this  Confederacy,  join  in  the  hand  that  “ carries  the  flag 
and  keeps  step  to  the  music  of  Union?”  (During  the  raptur- 
ous applause  which  followed,  the  speaker  withdrew ; but, 
upon  frequent  calls,  he  continued  :) 

May  this  Union  never  be  dissolved.  (Applause.)  Let  it  live 
on  forever.  Babylon,  Greece,  Borne — all  these  have  passed 
away — the  highway  of  time  is  scattered  over  with  their 
ruins.  All  poetry  is  full  of  funeral  songs,  and  almost  every 
page  of  history  records  the  story  of  the  struggles  of  some 
government  that  is  fallen  now  or  rocks  on  its  foundations. 
Let  us  profit  by  the  lesson.  Our  government  is  not  one 


121 


whose  safety  is  in  the  power  of  its  executive  arms  ; it  is  not 
one  cemented  by  lust  of  conquest  or  love  of  empire  ; it  has 
better  than  these — a deep,  firm,  broad  foundation  in  the 
hearts  and  the  affections  of  the  great  American  people.  As 
long  as  the  beautiful  Ohio  river  washes  the  shores  of  Northern 
and  Southern  States;  as  long  as  the  Mississippi — the  great 
Father  of  Waters — pours  his  gathered  tribute  to  the  gulf ; 
as  long  as  our  mountains  point  to  heaven ; as  long  as  there  is 
a spot  in  the  heart  of  this  great  people  that  will  heat  the  echo 
back  and  answer  the  glorious  memories  of  the  past,  let  us  go 
on,  as  members  of  one  common  family,  playing  the  same 
national  airs  and  singing  the  same  national  songs,  owning 
and  venerating  together  the  same  sublime  monuments  of  our 
country’s  greatness ; loving,  sustaining  and  defending  the 
priceless  blessings  of  this  legacy  of  ours,  and  building  up  to 
a yet  higher  measure  of  renown  this  nation,  that  is  already 
the  life,  light,  ornament  and  hope  of  the  world. 

There  are  fanatics — men  who  love  an  idle  fame — who 
would  have  their  names  on  the  popular  tongue.  Erostratus 
fired  the  Ephesian  Temple,  and  Cataline  attempted  treason 
against  his  native  country,  but  our  repose  is  in  the  popular 
feeling,  our  great  safety  is  in  the  love  of  the  masses,  North 
and  South,  for  the  principles  of  our  Constitution — equal 
Rights  and  Justice  to  all  sections,  and  relying  upon  these  we 
will  steer  through  the  dangers  of  the  day,  cheered  on  by  the 
bright  promises  ahead,  and  like  the  sun  that  passes  through 
the  cloud,  it  is  dimmed  but  to  appear  with  a renewed  and 
much  more  glorious  splendor. 

There  is  a promise  in  this  meeting ; there  is  a basis  upon 
which  to  build  a hope.  Cornelia,  when  asked  for  her  jewels, 
pointed  to  her  children.  American  patriots,  if  asked  for  our 
National  Jewels,  could  we  not  point  around  us  here  in  this 
festival — the  meeting  of  our  great  States — and  say  there  are 
our  Union’s  children  and  our  jewels. 

[The  speaker  again  retired,  while  a perfect  thunder  of  ap- 
plause greeted  him.  He  was  again  called  out,  and  again  he 
continued]. 


122 


Gentlemen,  we  have  come  among  you.  You  have  met  us 
with  that  cordial  hospitality,  that  respect  and  love  which  we 
Kentuckians,  in  our  egotism,  can  not  claim  for  ourselves, 
(three  cheers  were  given  for  Kentucky).  We  would  be  glad 
to  welcome  you  into  our  midst ; to  see  you  ; to  have  you 
mingle  with  us  as  we  have  mingled  with  you  around  the 
festive  board.  We  hope  it  will  be  so. 

We  have  learned,  indeed,  that  Ohio,  Tennessee,  Indiana, 
and  Kentucky  join  in  one  spontaneous  and  earnest  hosanna 
to  the  Union,  and  rather  than  fanaticism  shall  undo  the  work 
of  our  fathers,  let  Plymouth’s  sacred  rock,  hallowed  by  the 
feet  of  the  Pilgrims,  be  placed  on  the  pinnacle  of  Bunker 
Hill  Monument,  and  I would  to  God  that  monument  could  be 
reared  to  the  zenith,  that  each  and  every  man  in  the  country, 
from  the  cotton-fields  of  the  South,  the  prairies  of  the  great 
West,  the  lakes  and  granite  mountains  of  the  North,  might 
have  his  morning  vision  brightened  by  that  symbol  of  Amer- 
ican patriotism,  and  daily  renew  his  devotion  to  the  Sires  of 
Seventy-Six. 

I am  called  a member  of  “ Young  America” — be  it  so, 
for  Young  America  is  a power  in  the  land.  As  a member, 
then,  of  Young  America,  hailing  from  Kentucky,  I extend 
to  that  part  of  the  Young  America  of  these  other  States — 
the  young  men  who  are  the  pride  and  hope  of  their  gray- 
headed fathers — who  must  be  their  representatives  and  suc- 
cessors— the  perpetuators  of  their  fortunes,  fame  and  honor, 
an  invitation  to  join  me  in  the  pledge,  that  so  long  as  a 
heart  beats  in  our  bosoms,  so  long  as  the  flag  of  the  Union 
wTaves,  we  will  use  every  effort  consistent  with  honor,  princi- 
ple and  justice,  to  bear  undivided  this  most  glorious  offspring 
of  time  to  the  shores  of  eternity — to  guide  in  safety  this 
unmatched  ship  of  State ; fashioned  after  a model  never 
equaled  in  political  architecture,  onward  and  onward  on  the 
sea  of  prosperity  and  glory,  freighted  with  a united,  broth- 
erly, free  and  happy  people,  to  that  port,  to  be  reached  only 
when  the  curtain  of  time  shall  fall. 


123 


6.  The  Judiciary — An  upright  Judge — the  embodied  spirit 
of  liberty  and  law — the  steadfast  pillar  of  our  perpetuity. 

Mr.  Henry  Stanberry  responded  briefly,  referring  to 
the  devotion  of  Ohio  to  the  Union,  and  the  interest  of  the 
city  of  Cincinnati  in  the  preservation  of  friendly  relations 
with  her  sister  cities. 

f 7.  The  Great  West — The  High  Constable  of  the  Nation 
commands  the  peace  of  the  Union  : let  Sedition  disperse — the 
Riot  Act  has  been  read. 

Response  by  Dudley  Walker,  of  Kentucky,  and  Benj. 
J.  Lee,  of  Tennessee. 

SPEECH  OF  MR.  WALKER*. 

Mr.  Chairman , and  Fellow -citizens  of  Ohio , 

Tennessee , Indiana  and  Kentucky  : 

I feel  complimented  and  proud  to  have  the  pleasure  of  ad“ 
dressing  you  upon  this  most  grand  occasion.  Truly  is  the 
toast  significant  in  sentiment,  conception  and  phraseology. 
It  imports  what  we  have  heard  from  high  quarters — that  this 
Union  is  endangered ; that  there  were  those  who  seriously 
contemplated  its  dissolution. 

But  are  there  any  now  in  this  vast  assembly,  representing 
millions  of  freemen,  who  have  any  fears  upon  the  subject,  if 
true  to  our  pledges,  that  have  been  made  and  responded  to  by 
more  than  fifty  thousand  people  assembled  ? We  have  pledged 
ourselves  not  to  interfere  with  the  constitutional  rights  of 
each  other,  leaving  the  States  of  this  glorious  Confederacy  to 
rule  and  govern  their  domestic  institutions  in  their  own  way. 
Then  I repeat,  if  mindful  of  these,  how  can  it  be  dissolved  ? 
Though  politicians,  in  part  seeming  to  reflect  the  public  sen- 
timent, may  talk  of  it,  yet  it  will  not  be  done.  As  has  been 
said,  where  would  you  commence,  and  how?  In  the  language 
of  the  toast — the  Great  West — the  “High  Constable,  the 


124 


great  North-west,  has  read  the  rioting  act,  and  commanded 
peace  in  the  nation.” 

Sir,  contemplate  the  sublime  spectacle,  the  like  of  which  has 
never  been  witnessed  in  this  government.  Upon  the  shores 
of  my  own  loved  State  did  the  Executive  and  Legislative  de- 
partments of  two  sovereign  States  meet,  in  conjunction  with 
a representation  from  Indiana  and  Ohio.  We  met  amid  the 
booming  cannon’s  roar,  the  waving  of  the  “ Stars  and  Stripes,” 
and  the  shouts  of  thousands ; and  when  we  left,  thousands  at 
the  water’s  edge  attested  their  lively  interest  and  bid  us  God- 
speed ; and  all  along  the  shore,  on  either  side  of  the  beautiful 
Ohio,  were  we  hailed  with  similar  demonstrations,  until  within 
a few  miles  of  your  own  city,  when,  under  the  escort  of  two 
noble  steamers  as  we  reached  the  “ Queen  of  the  West,”  the 
enthusiasm  increased.  All  along  the  line  to  your  beautiful 
Capital  (Columbus)  did  the  excitement  increase,  where  we 
were  received  in  a most  imposing  style  by  your  Legislature^ 
in  open  session,  amid  the  shouts  of  the  citizens. 

To-day,  sir,  as  we  traveled  in  a different  section,  your  own 
gallant  citizens  united  in  the  same  feeling;  and  need  I refer 
to  our  reception  here  ? The  most  grand  and  imposing,  per- 
haps, that  has  ever  been  witnessed  in  this  Union — a reception 
by  at  least  thirty  thousand  people,  who  accompanied  us  to 
your  most  magnificent  Opera  House.  The  stars  and  stripes 
of  our  common  country  floating  from  every  conceivable  place 
of  your  massive  buildings,  lofty  domes,  spires  and  from  almost 
every  conceivable  object.  For  all  these,  I can  only  say,  we 
tender  to  you  heartily  our  most  cordial,  heartfelt  thanks.  To 
describe  our  feelings  would  beggar  language.  Dissolve  this 
Union  so  long  as  we  are  true  to  the  Constitution  anu  cn-j  laws 
No,  sir.  As  well  might  we  attempt  to  burst  asunder  the  fet- 
ters that  bind  us  down  to  earth  in  the  chains  of  everlasting 
gravitation  itself.  There  may  be  some,  in  different  sections 
of  this  country,  that  would  be  willing  to  see  it  wrecked  upon 
the  rock  or  engulfed  in  the  whirlpool. 

But  this  Union  must  exist  upon  the  purity  of  its  principles^ 
adherence  to  the  Constitution  and  the  loyalty  of  its  citizens 


125 


to  the  laws.  These,  and  these  alone,  can  sustain  it.  The 
history  of  the  world  attests  the  correctness  of  the  position. 
Greece  remained  invincible  until  after  the  conquest  of  Per- 
sia ; and  the  Spartans  needed  not  the  protection  of  walls  and 
battlements  so  long  as  they  adhered  to  the  stern  rules  of  the 
inflexible  Lycurgus.  Where  now  is  Rome,  who  trod  down 
nations  and  subjected  them  to  the  sway  of  her  imperial  scep- 
ters ? Where  now  is  Babylon,  once  great  and  mighty  ? Gone! 
gone ! If  we  will  but  prove  true  and  loyal,  loyal  to  the  Con- 
stitution, to  the  interests  and  the  rights  of  all  alike,  granting 
to  life,  liberty  and  property  all  needful  constitutional  protec- 
tion, we  will  accomplish  what  seemed  to  be  “manifest  destiny,” 
the  dissemination  of  light,  knowledge,  liberty  and  correct 
principles  throughout  this  broad-spread  earth.  Our  laurels, 
plucked  from  many  a hotly  contested  battle-field,  challenge 
the  thought,  almost,  that  they  were  plucked  from  the  depths 
of  immortality  itself.  Let  us  cultivate  fraternal  feelings  and 
rebuke  those  who  act  inconsistent  with  the  principles  spoken 
of,  whether  they  hail  from  the  snow-capped  hills  of  the  North, 
or  the  rich  valleys  of  the  “ sunny  South,”  whether  from  the 
gilded  plains  of  the  East,  or  the  table  lands  of  the  West,  and 
we  will  live  on,  and  on,  and  on,  a contented,  virtuous  and 
happy  people,  transmitting  to  our  posterity  the  rich  inheri- 
tance bequeathed  to  us  by  a noble  ancestry,  the  jewels  of 
whose  minds  would  have  sparkled  with  undimmed  luster 
amidst  the  most  gorgeous  array  of  European  genius,  and 
would  have  done  honor  to  themselves  and  country  in  the  coun- 
cils of  nations.  Sirs,  in  the  language  of  the  toast,  the  great 
West,  the  high  constable  of  the  nation,  commands  the  peace 
of  the  Union — let  sedition  disperse — the  riot  act  has  been 
read. 

8.  Henry  Clay  and  Andrew  Jackson — The  Orator  of  Ash- 
land, the  Hero  of  the  Hermitage.  Their  lives  honored  the 
States  whose  soil  preserves  their  ashes.  As  long  as  their  ex- 
ample is  remembered,  neither  personal  rivalries,  nor  party 
excitements,  nor  sectional  jealousies,  can  make  us  forget  our 
patriotism. 


126 


Responses  from  Messrs.  W.  L.  Martin  and  Wm.  Ewing, 
of  the  Tennessee  Legislature,  and  Henry  W.  Rust,  Ken- 
tucky Senator,  were  made. 

Mr.  Martin,  of  Tennessee,  responded  as  follows : 

Men  of  Ohio':  I am  called  on  to  respond  to  a sentiment 
complimentary  to  Clay  and  Jackson.  I am  no  eulogist.  The 
names  of  Clay  and  Jackson  are  inscribed  on  the  pages  of 
history.  Although  differing  in  politics  from  the  hero  of  Ten- 
nessee, whose  humble  tomb  is  in  view  of  the  road  which  I 
travel  in  passing  from  my  home  to  Nashville,  yet  I accord 
to  him,  love  of  country,  high,  commanding  powers  of  mind, 
and,  above  all,  a strong,  abiding  love  for  the  Union  of  these 
States.  He  it  was  who  announced,  at  an  important  epoch  in 
our  country’s  history,  that  the  Federal  Union  must  be  pre- 
served. 

But  I am  expected  to  say  something  about  Henry  Clay. 
Glorious  old  Hal  ! who  can  do  justice  to  thy  memory  ? 
There  (pointing  to  a full  length  portrait  of  Mr.  Clay),  there 
stands  the  glorious  old  patriot,  the  greatest  statesman  this 
country  has  ever  produced.  In  his  comprehensive  patriotism, 
in  the  fullness  of  his  noble,  magnanimous  heart,  he  exclaimed, 
“ I know  no  East,  no  West,  no  North,  no  South.”  He  was 
for  his  country , and  his  whole  country.  I feel  to-night,  sur- 
rounded by  the  Representatives  of  three  great  States,  that  in 
my  own  heart  I indorse  this  patriotic  sentiment  of  the  great 
statesman.  I feel  that  you  are  all  my  brethren,  all  members 
of  the  same  great  family.  Notwithstanding  the  efforts  of 
designing  men,  North  and  South,  this  Union  will  be  preserved. 
The  destinies  of  this  great  nation  are  in  the  hands  of  Him 
who  does  all  things  well.  God  himself  has  heretofore  pre- 
served us  as  in  the  hollow  of  His  hand,  and  He  will  continue  t 
preserve  it. 

I am  glad  we  are  here,  I am  rejoiced  to  be  permitted  to 
mingle  my  [voice  with  yours  in  proclaiming  fidelity  to  the 
Constitution  and  the  Union.  I am  from  the  South,  where  I 
was  born,  and  where  I have  lived  and  where  I expect  to  die. 


127 


All  my  feelings  and  sentiments  are  with  and  for  my  own  be- 
loved State ; yet  I am  not  only  a citizen  of  the  State  of  Ten- 
nessee, but  I am  also  a citizen  of  the  United  States.  The 
whole  country  is  mine  and  is  yours. 

We  of  the  South  ask  nothing  hut  the  rights  secured  to  us 
by  the  Constitution.  These  rights  we  have,  these  rights  wTe 
will  continue  to  insist  on.  Grant  us  these  rights  and  the  diffi- 
culties between  the  North  and  South  are  at  once  settled. 
Cease  the  agitation  of  the  negro  question  and  wre  are  at  peace. 

And  now,  men  of  Ohio,  farewell.  I shall  go  home  wTith 
different  and  more  favorable  opinions  in  reference  to  the 
people  of  your  noble  State  than  I had  heretofore  entertained. 
I hope  that  this  interchange  of  feeling  and  sentiment  will  in- 
duce us  hereafter  to  look  upon  each  other  as  brethren.  I 
hope  it  will  result  in  good  to  us  and  the  whole  country. 

MR.  RUST’S  SPEECH. 

Mr,  Chairman , and  you  my  Countrymen: 

I say  my  countrymen,  because  we  are  all  citizens  of  a com- 
mon country — of  the  same  great  and  glorious  Confederacy. 
And  we  are  proud  to  know  that  we  have  such  a country. 

Sir,  there  is  no  man,  no  matter  to  wffiat  particular  spot  of 
earth  his  destiny  may  have  driven  him,  who  wras  born  under 
the  protection  of  the  star-spangled  banner,  that  glorious  en- 
sign of  liberty  which  waves  in  triumph  over  every  sea,  and 
over  every  land,  who  is  not  proud  to  claim  as  the  home  of  his 
birth  the  United  States  of  America.  Sir,  it  is  such  feelings 
as  these,  that  to-night  animate  my  bosom,  and  make  me  feel 
proud  that  I am  an  American  citizen. 

Although  born  and  reared  in  the  State  of  Virginia — God 
bless  the  Old  Dominion ! — and  now  an  adopted  citizen  of  the 
State  of  Kentucky,  yet  I have  the  gratification  of  knowing 
that  whithersoever  I may  roam  throughout  this  broad  land,  I 
can  meet  as  friends  and  greet  as  brothers,  thousands  of  my 
countrymen,  all  having  a common  object  in  view — all  desiring 
the  perpetuity  of  the  Union,  and  the  preservation  of  the  Con- 
stitution. 


128 


Mr.  Chairman,  when  I this  night  cast  my  eyes  around  me, 
and  behold  the  brilliant  array  of  learning  and  of  ability  which 
surround  me,  I can  not  but  feel  that  those  friends  who  have 
called  on  me  for  a speech,  have  been  prompted  rather  by  the 
excess  of  a kind  partiality  than  the  exercise  of  a sound  and 
discreet  judgment  in  the  generous,  though  unfortunate  call 
they  have  just  made.  Nor  can  I proceed  to  respond  to  that 
call  without  tendering  to  them  my  grateful  acknowledgments 
for  so  unmerited  a mark  of  their  consideration  and  regard. 

Mr.  Chairman,  seldom  before  have  I had  the  honor  of  ad- 
dressing so  distinguished  an  audience ; seldom,  indeed,  have 
I had  the  pleasure  of  mingling  with  so  many  distinguished 
patriots  and  statesmen — never,  before,  did  I behold  such  a 
scene  as  this.  Sir,  no  such  grand  and  imposing  spectacle  was 
ever  before  beheld  in  America,  as  the  assembling  together,  at 
a time  like  the  present,  of  the  legislative  bodies  of  three  such 
great  States  as  Tennessee,  Kentucky  and  Ohio — all  mingling 
together  upon  terms  of  perfect  friendship — all  desiring  the 
happiness  and  prosperity  of  their  country — all  determined  to 
vindicate  and  uphold  the  sanctity  of  the  Constitution  and  the 
laws.  And  now  that  we  are  here,  resolved  into  a committee 
of  the  whole  on  the  state  of  the  Union,  let  us  pause,  and 
contemplate  for  a few  moments  the  grandeur  and  glory  of  our 
country. 

But  a few  years  over  three  quarters  of  a century  have 
passed  away,  since  our  fathers  of  the  Revolution  published  to 
mankind  the  Declaration  of  Independence,  and  laid  the  foun- 
dation for  this,  the  mightiest  Republic  the  world  ever  knew. 
Scarcely  eighty-four  years  have  elapsed  since  that  memorable 
event,  when  all  the  civilized  nations  of  the  earth  were  aston- 
ished and  amazed  at  the  bold,  yet  dignified  and  determined 
declaration  of  sentiment  contained  in  that  instrument.  And 
here  we  are  to-day,  in  the  possession  of  a vast  and  beautiful 
country,  more  beautiful,  perhaps,  than  any  on  which  the  hu- 
man eye  ever  paused  for  a moment  to  gaze;  combining  all  the 
varieties  of  scenery,  climate,  soil  and  production,  and  in  min- 
eral wealth,  agricultural  resources  and  manufacturing  facili- 


129 


ties,  surpassing  every  other  nation  upon  the  whole  face  of  the 
earth. 

Then  our  country  was  composed  of  the  original  thirteen 
colonies,  with  scarcely  three  millions  of  inhabitants  to  defend 
her  rights  ; without  a navy  to  protect  her  commerce  ; without 
the  means  of  carrying  on  the  government.  Now,  it  has  grown 
to  be  a mighty  empire,  extending  from  ocean  to  ocean,  abound- 
ing in  all  that  is  necessary  to  make  a nation  happy,  prosper- 
ous and  great ; with  a population  of  over  thirty  millions  of 
free  people ; a commerce  that  encircles  the  globe,  and  a flag 
that  floats  triumphantly  upon  every  breeze  that  wafts  the  stars 
and  the  stripes. 

| gj  Sir,  with  such  a country,  with  such  resources,  with  such 
advantages  for  improvement  in  the  arts  and  sciences ; with 
such  a field  for  the  cultivation  of  the  great  tree  of  liberty 
which  our  fathers  planted  and  gave  as  a legacy  to  us,  and  to 
the  yet  unborn  millions  of  America’s  free  sons;  and  in  the 
enjoyment  of  all  the  freedom  that  is  consistent  with  the  nature 
of  our  governmental  restraint,  what  should  we  not  do  to  pre- 
serve this  Union,  and  be  enabled  to  hand  down  to  posterity  in 
unsullied  brightness  the  character  and  glory  of  the  American 
name?  Sir,  many  things  we  should  do,  and  many  sacrifices' 
submit  to ; and  for  the  purpose  of  accomplishing  so  great  a 
good,  as  that  of  preserving  the  Union,  and  preventing  this, 
experiment  of  self-government  on  which  we  have  entered 
from  proving  a magnificent  failure,  I here  pledge  that  Ken- 
tucky will  sacrifice  almost  everything  except  her  honor ; sub- 
mit to  almost  anything  but  to  a deprivation  of  her  rights,  to 
humiliation  and  disgrace.  But,  sir,  while  I make  this  decla- 
ration on  the  part  of  Kentucky,  let  me  say  that  Kentucky 
does  not  believe  her  brethren  of  the  North — I mean  the  ma- 
jority of  them — wish  to  deprive  her  of  the  enjoyment  of  her 
just  and  equal  rights,  under  the  Constitution  of  the  United 
States.  Sir,  I am  for  the  Union — Kentucky  is  for  the  Union. 
But  we  believe  that  the  Union  can  only  be  preserved  by  a 
strict  observance  of  the  provisions  of  the  Federal  Constitu- 

9 

i 


130 


tion,  and  a determination  on  the  part  of  the  North  to  cease 
intermeddling  with  the  institutions  of  the  South. 

Sir,  we  live  under  one  of  the  grandest  and  most  sublime 
structures  of  human  government  that  was  ever  instituted  on 
earth  to  preserve  and  perpetuate  the  rational  liberties  of  man. 
Shall  it  be  destroyed  ? Shall  we  tear  down  the  proud  pillars 
which  our  fathers  reared  for  the  support  of  this  mighty  edifice, 
and  say  to  liberty,  go ! take  thy  everlasting  flight  from  the 
world,  never  again  to  return  ? No,  sir,  never.  Around  the 
heads  of  those  who  should  thus  attempt  to  destroy  this  fair 
fabric  of  ours,  would  gather  a whirlpool  of  popular  indigna- 
tion that  would  sweep  them  forever  from  existence. 

Sir,  I must  cease,  and  in  conclusion,  here  is  a toast : 

u To  my  Country — May  her  flight  continue  to  be  onward 
and  upward,  and  when  the  last  syllable  of  recorded  time  shall 
be  written  by  the  finger  of  God  upon  the  tablets  of  eternity, 
may  she  still  be  great  and  glorious,  proudly  careering  in  the 
broad  galaxy  of  national  greatness,  without  a single  star  be- 
ing plucked  from  her  colors,  or  a single jstripe  torn  therefrom.” 

9.  The  President  of  the  United  States — Earth’s  first  po- 
tentate, the  servant  of  the  people. 

Mr.  Payne,  of  the  Senate  of  Tennessee,  and  Mr.  Whit- 
taker, of  the  Kentucky  House  of  Representatives,  respond- 
ed eloquently. 

10.  The  Army  and  Navy — The  Angel  of  Peace,  one  foot 
upon  land  and  one  upon  the  sea,  proclaiming  that  war  shall 
be  no  more. 

11.  The  Ladies — No  Union  without  them,  no  dissolution 
with  them. 

Mr.  Rodman,  of  the  Kentucky  Legislature,  was  called 
upon  to  answer  the  latter  toast,  and  in  brief  and  elegant 
terms  apostrophized  the  harmonious  influences  of  the  fair  sex. 


131 


12.  The  Press — The  first  words  printed  by  Faust,  “ God 
said,  let  there  be  light,  and  there  was  light.” 

13.  The  Union  of  the  States. 

The  health  of  Capt,  Shirley,  of  the  Cincinnati  and  Lou- 
isville Mail  Line,  was  then  drank  with  a zest,  and  appro- 
priately and  felicitously  responded  to  by  the  Captain. 

The  Glee  Club,  were  called  for,  and  sang  an  appropriate 
song,  and  the  festivities  closed  about  two  o’clock  Saturday 
morning,  with  three  cheers  for  the  Union. 

The.  ceremonies  attendant  upon  the  visit  of  the  Legisla- 
tures of  Tennessee,  Kentucky  and  Ohio,  were  continued  on 
Saturday  and  up  to  the  time  our  city's  guests  departed,  in 
the  same  unabated  and  enthusiastic  manner  with  which 
they  were  commenced.  They  were  all  furnished  with  badges, 
which  were  “ open  sesames  ” to  all  sights  in  the  city,  and 
all  drives  into  the  country.  At  the  exhibition  of  these 
badges,  all  doors  flew  open,  all  hacks  and  carriages  were 
commanded,  all  eatables  and  drinkables  forthcoming,  “ with- 
out money  and  without  price.”  Thus  equipped,  on  Satur- 
day morning  many  persons  visited  the  public  institutions 
of  Cincinnati,  many  rode  into  the  country,  and  a large 
f portion  wended  their  way  to  the  spacious  Fifth  Street  Mar- 
ket Space,  to  witness  a parade  of  the  Fire  Department  of 
the  city. 

Saturday  morning  the  guests  were  treated  to  a display 
of  the  Fire  Department,  and  later  in  the  day,  were  afforded 
an  opportunity  of  witnessing  its  efficiency,  practically.  At 
nine  o’clock  the  entire  department,  consisting  of  nine  steam 
companies  and  four  hand  companies,  formed  on  Race  street 
and  Fifth,  and  headed  by  Menter’s  Band,  made  a short 
circuit  of  the  Eastern  part  of  the  city,  and  then  entered 
the  Fifth  street  market  space,  which  had  been  cleared  of 


132 


the  people  by  the  police,  in  order  that  the  guests  might 
have  an  ample  opportunity  to  see  and  judge  for  themselves. 
Chief  Engineer  Megrue  wisely  ordered  out  the  department 
in  working  order,  no  embellishments,  no  decorations,  no 
efforts  at  pageantry,  but  in  the  grandeur  of  its  mechanical 
ingenuity,  to  appear  unostentatiously,  and  demonstrate  its 
world-wide  reputation  in  a practical  manner. 

Three  engines  were  tested,  the  E.  G.  Megrue,  smallest 
size,  the  A.  B.  Latta  and  Niagara,  largest  size.  The  two 
latter  threw  streams  11-2  inch  in  diameter  and  the  former 
1 1-4,  and  as  the  great  volumes  of  water  speeded  from  the 
nozzles,  with  giant  force,  the  admiration  of  the  distinguished 
guests  was  unanimous. 

After  these  engines  had  been  withdrawn,  a second  con- 
test was  had  between  the  Citizen’s  Gift  and  the  Mississippi, 
which  resulted  in  the  former  exceeding  all  her  previous  at- 
tainments, and  throwing  water  the  unprecedented  distance 
of  three  hundred  and  twenty  feet.  This  is  the  greatest 
feat  ever  performed  by  a steam  fire  engine,  and  entitles  the 
old  favorite  to  still  wear  “the  horns.” 

At  two  o’clock  a fire  occurred  on  Sixth  street,  west  of 
the  C.,  IT.  & Dayton  Railroad.  To  this  large  numbers  of 
the  Legislators  flocked,  and  their  admiration  of  the  morn- 
ing was  changed  to  enthusiasm  at  the  order,  efficiency  and 
dispatch  of  the  department.  For  the  sake  of  seeing  the 
streams  play  upon  the  fire,  many  of  them  entered  the 
burning  bulding,  and  as  a reward  for  their  inquisitiveness, 
emerged  drenched  to  the  skin  and  satisfied  with  their  ex- 
perimental search  after  knowledge. 

VISIT  TO  NICHOLAS  LONGWORTH. 

At  the  conclusion  of  the  exhibition  of  the  Fire  Depart- 
ment, the  guests,  accompanied  by  the  members  of  City 


133 


Council  and  the  Committee  of  Arrangements,  repaired  in 
a body  to  the  residence  of  Nicholas  Longworth,  in  compli- 
ance with  an  invitation  extended  them  at  the  banquet 
Friday  evening.  Ample  preparations  had  been  made  for 
their  reception.  A number  of  tables  were  spread,  covered 
with  tempting  edibles,  and  bristling  with  bottles  of  the 
venerable  host’s  famous  Catawba  wine.  The  universal  sen- 
timent was  that  of  the  poet : 


“Very  good  in  its  way 
Is  the  Viergenay, 

And  the  Sillery  soft  and  creamy ; 

But  Catawba  wine 
Hath  a taste  more  divine, 

More  dulcet,  delicious  and  dreamy.” 

During  the  entertainment  of  the  three  Legislatures  at 
Mr.  Longworth ’s,  Saturday,  Hon.  Mr.  Underwood,  of  the 
Tennessee  delegation,  offered  the  following  sentiment : 

Nicholas  Longworth — The  representative  man  of  the  times 
when  the  value  of  the  National  Union  wras  not  made  a sub- 
ject of  discussion  and  calculation.  Thank  god,  some  such 
yet  live ! 

To  this  W.  J.  Flagg,  Esq.,  of  the  Ohio  Legislature,  on 
behalf  of  Mr.  Longworth,  responded  with  the  following  sen- 
timent and  remarks : 

The  Three  Trees — The  Ash  of  Kentucky,  furnishing  the 
wood  of  the  lance,  emblem  of  chivalry;  the  Hickory  of  Ten- 
nessee, rock-rooted,  storm-defying,  emblem  of  strength ; the 
Bnckeye  of  Ohio,  blooming  and  refreshing  as  woman,  emblem 
of  beauty.  Chivalry,  Beauty  and  Strength,  the  Vine  that 
has  its  home  on  the  hills  of  Ohio,  Kentucky  and  Tennessee?, 
shall  twine  arond  them  all,  binding  trunk  and  branch  into  an 
emblem  of  Union — not  the  bundle  of  dry  and  sapless  rods  of 


134 


the  Roman  Republic,  but  in  a living  fasces  of  perpetual 
growth. 

Ladies  and  Gentlemen.  I was,  as  you  all  know,  one  of 
the  Committee  of  the  Ohio  General  Assembly  which  went  to 
Louisville  to  invite  our  brothers  of  Kentucky  and  Tennessee 
to  visit  our  Capital.  We  went  to  the  hall  of  their  festivities 
in  the  name  of  peace,  speaking  words  of  conciliation,  and 
holding  out  a pale  flag  of  truce.  We  returned  with  them  in 
triumph,  draped  in  the  red,  white  and  blue  of  the  national 
banner.  They  have  gone  with  us  to  our  seat  of  government: 
they  have  broken  our  bread ; they  have  tasted  our  salt,  and  been 
pledged  in  our  full  cup  ; they  have  felt  the  warmth  of  our  palms, 
and  the  pulses  of  our  hearts ; they  have  stood  beneath  our 
dome,  whose  decorations  showed  to  the  upturned  eye  only 
symbols  of  the  Union ; they  have  stood  in  our  legislative  halls 
before  the  Speaker’s  marble  throne,  and  beheld  sculptured 
there  one  emblem  for  the  State  and  two  for  the  nation. 

We  have  been  refreshed  and  gladdened  with  the  presence 
of  our  cousins  of  Tennessee  and  Kentucky,  and  hope  they,  in 
turn,  are  content  with  us.  We  trust  they  will  never  regret 
having  left  their  logs  unrolled,  and  their  axes  unground,  to 
come  and  spend  a week  with  their  federal  relations. 

Ten  cars  conveyed  us  to  Columbus ; twenty  cars  brought  us 
back.  In  the  grand  proportions  our  movement  has  attained 
in  the  congress  of  sovereignties,  into  which  have  swollen  the 
celebration  of  a railroad  opening  and  a steamboat  excursion, 
we  all  seem  to  have  forgotten  the  beginning.  Our  thoughts, 
our  feelings,  our  voices  are  given  for  the  Union,  and  only  for 
the  Union.  I am  well  aware  of  the  pacific  influences  of  com- 
merce. To  be  valid,  every  bond  to  keep  the  peace  must  have 
a money  penalty.  The  fiber  of  cotton  which  binds  Great 
Britain  in  amity  with  us,  and  the  filament  of  silk  which  allies 
us  to  Trance,  are  stronger  than  rods  of  steel  or  cables  of  iron. 
There  is  much  excellent  harmony  in  the  chink  of  silver ; there 
is  sweet  music  in  the  ring  of  gold ; but  while  by  no  means 
despising  the  blessings  of  a barter  of  commdities,  we  have 
found  in  this,  our  reunion,  a nobler  interchange  of  good  will; 


135 


a more  fruitful  commerce  of  love ; an  immeasurable  profit  of 
mutual  esteem,  confidence  and  brotherhood  ! 

The  heart’s  core  of  the  West  is  henceforth  inseparable. 
Tennessee,  Kentucky  and  Ohio  have  said  it.  What  they  say, 
Indiana,  Illinois  and  Missouri  will  swear  to;  and  what  those 
six  great  powers  vow  to  sustain  shall  stand,  and  not  all  the 
powers  of  darkness  may  prevail  against  it. 

The  trinity  of  States  has  spoken  to  the  Congressional  dis- 
organizers,  who  infest  the  national  capital,  in  a voice,  the 
sound  whereof  shall  shake  them  in  their  shoes,  and  the  mean- 
ing whereof  is  : “ Cease  instantly  your  bickerings  ; let  each 
faction  call  off  its  dogs  and  tie  up  its  fools,  and  proceed  to 
business.”  We  will  let  them  know,  and  we  will  let  all  who 
inhabit  that  sterile  tract  of  the  Far  East  lying  between  the 
mountains  and  the  sea  know,  that  there  is  a West,  as  sure  as 
there  is  a God  in  Israel ! 

THE  DEPARTURE. 

At  one  o’clock,  P.  M.,  nearly  all  the  members  of  the 
Kentucky  Legislature  took  their  departure  for  their  State 
capital,  on  the  Central  Kentucky  Railroad  to  Lexington, 
on  a special  train  placed  at  their  service,  by  R.  B.  Bowler, 
Escp,  the  Superintendent  of  the  road.  They  were  accom- 
panied to  the  depot  by  the  Committee  of  Arrangements 
and  members  of  the  City  Council,  and  were  joined  in  Cov- 
ington by  large  numbers  of  the  citizens  of  that  place. 
Loud  and  hearty  cheers  greeted  them  as  the  iron-horse 
sped  away  into  the  “ bowels  of  the  land.” 

The  Tennessee  delegation  left  on  board  the  Jacob  Stra- 
der, a few  hours  later  in  the  day,  that  leviathan  steamer 
having  been  detailed  especially  for  this  purpose.  A large 
concourse  of  people  assembled  to  witness  their  departure, 
and  wish  them  a safe  and  pleasant  return  to  their  homes. 
Their  departure  was  signalized  by  appropriate  leave-tak- 


136 


ings.  Flamen  Ball,  Esq.,  made  the  following  short  and 
pertinent  address  on  behalf  of  our  citizens : 

Ladies  and  Gentlemen  of  Kentucky  and  Tennessee : 

When  brother  separates  from  brother,  when  sister  parts 
with  sister,  when  friend  removes  away  from  friend,  there  is 
but  one  word  in  our  language  which  it  pains  the  heart  to  ut- 
ter. It  has  become  my  office  now,  as  the  humble  representa- 
tive of  the  men,  the  women  and  the  children  of  Ohio,  to  pro- 
nounce that  w’ord : and  now,  enfolding  you  all  in  a fraternal 
embrace,  with  sorrowing  heart,  I bid  you  all  farewell,  fare- 
well, farewell. 

This  was  fittingly  responded  to  by  Mr.  Payne,  of  Ten- 
nessee, and  Mr.  Whitten,  of  Kentucky,  each  of  whom,  on 
the  part  of  their  respective  representatives,  returned  thanks 
for  the  cordial  welcome  that  had  been  extended,  and  the 
magnificent  hospitality  they  had  received  during  their  visit 
to  Cincinnati. 

About  four  o’clock  the  boat  shoved  out,  amid  the  wild- 
est and  most  enthusiastic  cheers  from  deck  and  shore. 
The  Strader,  graceful  as  a swan,  first  moved  up  the  river 
a short  distance,  and  then  turning,  sailed  past  the  city  at 
railroad  speed.  A fine  brass  field-piece  had  been  brought 
upon  the  Public  Landing,  and  as  the  magnificent  floating- 
palace  shot  by,  the  echoes  among  the  Kentucky  hills  were 
aroused  by  its  repeated  discharges.  At  the  first  report, 
the  bells  of  a fleet  of  steamers  lying  in  the  river  were  set 
in  motion,  and  amid  their  merry  peals,  the  reverberations  of 
artillery,  the  cheers  of  the  crowd,  and  the  waving  of  many 
adieux,  the  steamer  and  our  distinguished  guests  disap- 
peared from  view. 

So  ended,  we  trust  with  the  happiest  results,  the  most 
imposing  demonstration  ever  witnessed  in  the  great  Valley 
of  the  Mississippi. 


APPENDIX 


A “HOMEWARD  BOUND ” INCIDENT. 

Saturday  evening,  while  the  hours  were  wearing  pleasantly 
away  in  the  cabin  of  the  Strader,  it  was  intimated  that  the 
presence  of  all  the  guests  was  desired  in  the  ladies’  cabin. 
When  that  spacious  saloon  was  crowded,  Mayor  Crawford 
proposed  to  organize  the  meeting  by  the  appointment  of 
Lieut.  Gov.  Newman,  of  Tennessee,  as  Chairman,  which  was 
agreed  to,  and  Col.  James  S.  Wallace  was  designated  as  Sec- 
retary. After  a few  pertinent  remarks  by  the  Chair,  J.  R. 
Davis,  Esq.,  of  the  Tennessee  Assembly,  offered  the  following 
resolutions : 

Resolved,  That  the  generous  courtesy  and  munificent  hospitality  extended  to 
us  by  the  Louisville  and  Cincinnati  Mail  Line  Company,  deserve  the  most 
cordial  acknowledgement  from  the  Representatives  of  Tennessee  and  Ken- 
tucky, now  its  guests. 

Resolved,  That  upon  this  neutral  stream — the  beautiful  Ohio — the  spectacle 
now  presented  of  a meeting  of  the  people  of  different  sovereign  States,  congre- 
gated to  express  their  attachment  to  the  common  Union,  is  a cheering  type  of 
national  perpetuity,  and  that  as  long  as  the  Alleghany,  Monongahela,  Miami, 
Kentucky,  Tennessee,  Cumberland,  Muskingum  and  other  streams,  feed  the 
Ohio,  so  long  the  States  from  whence  they  flow  will  strengthen  and  swell  the 
rising  tide  of  popular  sentiment  which  first  received  its  impulse  at  the  city  of 
Louisville. 

Resolved,  That  we  express  to  Capt.  Dittman  and  the  officers  of  this  boat,  as 
well  as  to  the  owners,  our  appreciation  of  the  seamanlike  manner  in  which 
everything  is  regulated,  and  the  high  state  of  discipline  manifested  in  every 
department. 

Resolved,  That  the  personal  urbanity,  kind  attention,  provident  foresight  and 
brotherly  care  of  Capt.  Z.  Shirley,  the  President  of  the  Company,  have  been 
such  as  to  merit  our  warmest  thanks  and  place  him  first  among  males,  as  the 
Jacob  Strader  is  first  among  mail  boats. 

Dr.  Richardson,  of  Tennessee,  then  called  upon  Captain 
Shirley  and  addressed  him  as  follows : 


138 


In  behalf  of  the  States  of  Tennessee,  Kentucky,  and  Indiana,  I have  the 
pleasure  this  evening  of  returning  you  the  sincere  thanks  of  honest  hearts 
for  the  kind  attention  which  you  have  given  us  in  the  excursion  to  Cincin- 
nati. From  the  moment  we  came  aboard  your  beautiful  steamer  at  Louisville 
until  we  landed  at  Cincinnati,  we  were  the  constant  recipients  of  your  kind- 
ness, and  nothing  was  left  undone  to  make  our  trip  pleasant  and  agreeable. 

W e desire  to  express  our  appreciation  of  your  attention  and  kindness  to  us, 
however,  in  something  more  lasting  than  an  ordinary  tribute  of  words,  and  for 
that  reason  I am  directed  by  your  guests  to  present  you  some  silver  plate,  which 
has  been  procured  for  the  occasion,  with  an  inscription  expressive  of  the  senti- 
ments of  the  donors.  We  trust  you  will  ever  remember,  when  looking  on  these 
beautiful  presents,  the  friends  whom  you  have  so  kindly  served,  the  glorious 
object  of  their  visit  to  Ohio,  their  warm  and  sincere  devotion  to  the  Constitu- 
tion, and  their  fervent  prayers  for  the  preservation  of  the  Union.  Take  them, 
then,  as  the  gifts,  free  gifts,  of  your  fellow-citizens,  and  hand  them  down  to 
your  children  as  a tribute  of  our  respect  for  your  kindness,  and  of  our  esteem 
for  you  as  a gentleman. 

This  gift  consisted  of  a massive  silver  pitcher,  salver,  and 
two  goblets,  inscribed,  “Presented  to  Captain  Z.  M.  Shirley 
by  the  Excursionists  of  the  States  of  Tennessee,  Kentucky, 
and  Indiana,  as  a testimony  of  his  hospitality  during  the  ex- 
cursion, January  20,  I860.”  In  accepting  them,  Capt.  Shir- 
ley regretted  his  want  of  oratorical  power  that  he  might  do 
justice  more  to  his  feelings  on  the  occasion  of  a compliment  so 
delicately  tendered.  He  disclaimed  any  special  service,  for 
it  was  his  pride  and  his  pleasure  to  meet  every  citizen  of  Ken- 
tucky, Tennessee  and  Indiana,  in  this  great  Union  meeting, 
and  to  tender  them  all  the  kindness  and  civility  in  his  power. 
He  was  proud  of  the  compliment  because  he  was  proud  of  the 
donors,  and  if  he  could  find  language  to  express  his  gratitude 
for  such  an  honor,  he  would  still  but  feebly  speak  his  thanks. 
Captain  S.  referred  to  the  hospitality  of  Nashville  on  the 
opening  of  the  railroad,  and  the  warm  greetings  he  had  re- 
ceived there,  as  the  motive  which  led  him  to  tender  the  use 
of  his  boat  for  this  excursion.  The  Captain,  too,  most  gal- 
lantly alluded  to  the  presence  of  the  ladies,  to  their  restain- 
ing influence  on  gala  occasions  like  the  present,  and  the  hap- 
piness he  felt  at  having  so  many  of  them  his  guests  on  this 
occasion.  We  must  confess  that  we  were  unprepared  for  a 
long  speech  from  Captain  S.  We  thought  he  would  grace- 


139 


fully  acknowledge  the  compliment  in  a.  few  words  ; but  he 
warmed  up  with  his  subject,  was  truly  eloquent  in  his  praises 
of  Nashville,  and  fairly  inspired  when  he  began  to  speak  of 
the  ladies.  After  repeated  outbursts  of  applause,  he  con- 
cluded by  again  expressing  his  thanks  for  the  beautiful  testi- 
monial, which  he  would  always  cherish  and  hand  down  to  his 
children  as  the  evidence  of  one  of  the  most  gratifying  inci- 
dents of  his  life.  Full  of  anecdote  and  appropriate  illustra- 
tions, the  speech  of  Captain  S.  w~as  a good  one,  and  some  of 
our  law-makers  might  advantageously  take  a lesson  from  him. 

Gen.  J.  Lane,  of  Tennessee,  was  requested  by  the  ladies  to 
respond  to  Capt.  S.,  which  he  did  in  appropriate  terms;  and 
then  the  meeting  adjourned  to  the  gentlemen’s  saloon,  where 
sparkling  Catawba  flowed  in  copious  streams  for  a long  time. 
The  whole  affair,  thus  extemporized,  wTas  a happy  one.  The 
gift  was  beautiful ; the  speeches  appropriate ; the  ladies  clus- 
tering around  the  saloon  looked  like  bouquets  of  beauty ; and 
as  the  noble  steamer  glided  noiselessly  down  the  Ohio,  carry- 
ing her  rich  freight  of  love  and  life  and  angelic  sweetness, 
we  almost  envied  our  friend  Shirley  as  being  the  observed  of 
all  observers,  the  favorite  of  the  gentlemen  and  the  pet  of  the 
ladies. 


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